Historical Development

1. Good Conduct Prisoners' Probational Release Act, 1926:

   • During the colonial era, the probation and parole system in the region that is now Punjab was established under the "Good Conduct Prisoners' Probational Release Act, 1926." This act provided a framework for the release of prisoners on parole based on their good behavior while incarcerated.

2. Era of Ayub Khan:

   • The era of Ayub Khan, who served as the President of Pakistan from 1958 to 1969, was a period of significant political and social change. It's likely that policies related to probation and parole were influenced by broader reforms and policies during his tenure.

   Probation of Offenders' Ordinance, 1960 and Rules 1961:

   • With the creation of Pakistan in 1947, legal frameworks were adapted to the new nation's needs. In 1960, the "Probation of Offenders' Ordinance" was enacted, and rules were established in 1961. This ordinance further refined and regulated the probation system in what is now Punjab.

3. Reclamation and Probation Department:

   • The department responsible for probation and parole services in Punjab was originally known as the "Reclamation and Probation Department." This department likely oversaw the administration of probation and parole services during the earlier periods.

4. International Obligations:

   • The mention of international obligations likely refers to Pakistan's commitment to various international treaties and conventions related to criminal justice and human rights. These obligations primarily influenced the development and operation of the probation and parole system.

5. Punjab Probation and Parole Service Act, 2019:

   • The year 2019 marked a significant milestone with the enactment of the "Punjab Probation and Parole Service Act." This legislation brought about important changes, including the renaming of the department to the "Punjab Probation and Parole Service."

This Act likely introduced updated provisions, procedures, and standards for the administration of probation and parole services in Punjab. It may have also aligned the department with contemporary best practices in offender rehabilitation and reintegration.