President Asif Ali Zardari has granted a 180-day reduction in the sentences of eligible prisoners on the occasion of Pakistan Day and Eidul Fitr.
The decision was made under Article 45 of the Constitution, which empowers the president to grant pardons and commute sentences.
However, the relief will not be extended to prisoners convicted of murder, espionage, anti-state activities, theft, robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, adultery, or financial crimes. Additionally, those convicted under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act, 2022, will not be eligible for the reduction.
The reduction in sentence would also not apply to criminals who have harmed the national exchequer.
Who will benefit from sentence reduction?
The 180-day reduction will apply to:
- Male prisoners aged 65 and above who have completed at least one-third of their sentence.
- Female prisoners aged 60 and above who have completed one-third of their sentence.
- Women prisoners with children.
- Juvenile prisoners (under 18) who have completed one-third of their sentence.
