Kunar central jail inmates memorise Holy Quran

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Sixteen prisoners have memorised while 27 others learnt the exegesis of the Holy Quran at a seminary in central jail of eastern Kunar province, officials said on Monday.  

Col. Noor Rahman Noor, the prison commander, told Pajhwok Afghan News, they opened the religious school for prisoners a few months back. Both students and teachers are prisoners. 

Of the 325 individuals held in the facility, 100 attended the seminary and study religious education from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. They are taught religion and vocational skills.

Forty-three of them were awarded certificates at a ceremony today. The prisoners could join different professions, Noor said, asking local authorities to provide the seminary with computers.  

During the certificates-awarding ceremony, independent human rights commission head Sabrina Hamidi remarked prison could simultaneously be a place of learning and correction.

She said they did not receive any complaints from Kunar prison in the past year when inmates were treated well. Positive changes in the prison administration helped inmates exercise their rights, Hamidi added.

Governor Shuja Al Mulk Jalala asked the trainee inmates to benefit from the Madrasa. Jalala donated the prison 408 books on different subjects.

One of the prisoners, Hiwat, told Pajhwok Afghan News that they had no problem and enjoyed facilities. He thanked the government for providing the education inside jail.

A 40 years old prisoner, Ahmad Shah who memorised the Quran in 11 months, said: “The jail is an important Madrasa for me. I am happy having memorised the holy book.”

ra/mds/mud