FAQs

1. What is Probation?

Probation is a non-custodial sentence whereby an offender, instead of serving time in prison, is placed under the supervision of a Probation Officer, subject to certain conditions imposed by the Court.

2. Who is Father of Probation?

John Augustus is the father of Probation from USA.

3. What is Parole?

Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of his sentence, under the supervision of a Parole Officer, subject to good conduct.

4. What are the key differences between Probation and Parole?

Sr. No.	Probation	Parole
1.	1960	1926
2.	Judicial Order	Executive Order
3.	Allows rehabilitation in the community	Facilitates reintegration after prison
4.	Court-ordered requirements	Supervised release conditions
5.	Involves a Probation Officer	Involves a Parole Officer
6.	Period:1 to 3 years	Period: Remaining sentence
7.	Probation of Offenders’ Ordinance, 1960 & Rules 1961	Good Conduct Prisoners’ Probational Release Act 1926 and Rules 1927 and 54 Executive Orders

 

5. What is the old name of Punjab Probation and Parole Service?

The old name of department was Reclamation and Probation Department. It was changed in 2019 after the enactment of Punjab Probation and Parole Service Act.

6. What is the administrative department of Punjab Probation and Parole Service?

PP&PS is the attached formation of the Home Department, which has 11 departments under its control. PP&PS is one of them.

7. What are the functions and responsibilities of Punjab Probation and Parole Service (PP&PS)?
According to section 8 of Punjab Probation and Parole Service Act, 2019, the Service shall be responsible for:

1.  assessing the risks and needs of offenders;
2.  creating plans for working with offenders;
3.  maintaining and updating of data regarding offenders;
4.  ensuring that conditions of release or license are fulfilled; and
5.  facilitating rehabilitation of offenders.

5. Hierarchy of the Department?

• Director General
• Directors
• Deputy Directors
• Assistant Directors
• Probation & Parole Officers

6. Legislation governing Probation and Parole in Punjab?

• Probation of Offenders Ordinance, 1960 and Rules, 1961
• Good Conduct Prisoners’ Probational Release Act, 1926 and Rules, 1927
• Punjab Probation and Parole Service Rules, 2019 and Rules, 2025
• Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018

7. What is the recent amendment in Probation Law?

Punjab Government has introduced an amendment in Probation of Offenders Ordinance, 1960, in the shape of 5A. This introduces a significant reform in the criminal justice framework by mandating community service as an essential condition in Probation Orders.

8. What is the Period of Probation?

Not less than 1 year and not more than 3 years.

9. In what type of offenses can probation be granted?

Probation can be granted for offenses of a minor nature. Section 5 of the Ordinance, 1960, specifies a negative list of offenses for which probation cannot be granted:

a.      Chapter VI of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860) offences against the State.

b.      Chapter VII of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860) offences related to Army, Navy and Air Force.

c.       16 Other sections of PPC pertaining to robbery, dacoity, rape and murder etc.  

10. Is probation a Conviction or Not?

Section 11(1) ordains:

“A conviction of an offence, for which an order is made under section 4 or section 5 for discharging the offender after the due admonition or conditionally or placing him on probation, shall be deemed not to be a conviction for any purpose other than the purposes of the proceedings in which the order is made and of any subsequent proceedings which may be taken against the offender.”

Under section 11(2), the offender shall not face any disqualifications or disability if he is “placed on probation” under section 5 or discharged under section 4.

11. If an offender fails to observe conditions of   the bond?

The Probation Officer is bound under section 7 and Rule 24 to report to Assistant Director concerned in case a violation of bond is committed by the offender. Under section 7 (3), if Court satisfies that offender has failed to observe the conditions of bond, the Court may:

1. Either sentence him for the original offence;
2. Impose upon him fine not exceeding one thousand rupees; and
3. Sentence the offender for the original offence, if the fine is not paid.

12. What are the duties of a Probation Officer?

Under section 13 of Probation of Offenders’ Ordinance 1960, a probation officer shall:

1. visit or receive visits from the offender at such reasonable intervals;
2. see that the offender observes the conditions of the bond;
3. report to the Officer-in-charge about the behavior of probationers;
4. advise, assist and befriend the offender;
5. prepare Social Investigation Report (S.I.R.) on the demand of Court;
6. find suitable employment for offenders; and
7. perform any other duty which may be prescribed by the rules made under this Ordinance.

13. In how many ways case of a Prisoner can be initiated for Parole?

Assistant Director can take up the case of prisoner in following ways:

1. On the application of the prisoner;
2. On the application of the relatives or friends of the prisoner;
3. On the recommendation of Superintendent of the Jail; and
4. On his visit to jail.

14. What are the basics of Parole Release Process?

The parole release process is initiated in one of four ways. The Assistant Director (AD) first writes to the concerned Superintendent Jail to request relevant documents. Upon receiving these documents, the AD then sends an inquiry letter to district authorities to solicit their opinion. This involves writing to both the place where the crime occurred and the place of the offender's residence. After receiving their reports, the AD compiles the case and forwards it to the PP&PS Headquarters. The case is then presented before the Parole Board, which is chaired by the Additional Secretary. If recommended by the Board, the case is forwarded to the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order (SCCLO) for final approval.

15. What are the duties of a Parole Officer?

1. Making efforts for the Employment of parolee
2. Responsibility to visit Jail
3. Responsibility to visit place of employment of parolee
4. Maintenance of Record of parolee
5. Computation of Remission of parolee
6. Responsibility in case of sickness or death of parolee

16. What is Juvenile Justice System?

The juvenile justice system is a separate legal system designed to handle cases involving individuals under the age of 18 who have been accused of breaking the law.

17. How Juvenile Justice System is different from Criminal Justice System?

The juvenile justice system is distinct from the criminal justice system, primarily focusing on rehabilitation and addressing the needs of young offenders, rather than solely punishment.

18. What is the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA), 2018?

A law to deal with juvenile offenders ensuring child-sensitive procedures including diversion and rehabilitation.

19. Role of Probation Officer under JJSA, 2018?

• Conduct Social Investigation Reports
• Supervise juveniles placed on probation
• Coordinate with Juvenile Justice Committees

20. What is a Juvenile Justice Committee (JJC)?

A committee constituted at district level for deciding diversion options and monitoring rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

21. What is the Criminal Justice Coordination Committee (CJCC)?

The Criminal Justice Coordination Committee (CJCC), established through the Police Order, 2002, is a monthly meeting chaired by the District & Sessions Judge. Its purpose is to foster coordination among all criminal justice stakeholders, including the Police, Prosecution, Prisons, and Probation.

22. Mention any modern models used for reforming offenders.

• Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model: Focuses on risk levels, criminogenic needs, and personalized response.
• Good Lives Model: Aims at offender well-being and strengths-based rehabilitation.

23. What is Community Service?

A court-ordered punishment where the offender performs unpaid work for public benefit as part of their sentence.

24. What are common areas for Community Service?

• Educational institutions
• Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA)
• Government hospitals
• Municipal services
• NGOs and welfare bodies

25. Key challenges faced by the PP&PS?

• Shortage of staff and resources
• Inadequate infrastructure
• Lack of dedicated rehabilitation budget
• Transport and logistics issues
• Lack of Capacity Building of Probation and Parole Officers
• Absence of Support Staff