President Asif Ali Zardari has sanctioned the reduction of prisoners’ sentences by ninety days on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day and Eid al-Fitr. As reported by Express News, this reduction in sentences will not be extended to individuals convicted of heinous crimes such as murder, espionage, anti-state activities, adultery, theft, robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Moreover, those found guilty of financial crimes or causing harm to the national exchequer will also not benefit from this reduction in sentence.
The eligibility criteria for this facility include male prisoners aged above 65 years who have completed one-third of their incarceration period. Similarly, female inmates aged above 60 years, having served one-third of their imprisonment, will also qualify for a reduction in sentence. Additionally, minors who have served one-third of their sentence will be eligible for this leniency.
This decision by the President is in accordance with Article 45 of the Constitution and Rule 15A of the Rules of Business.
