Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a 90-day special amnesty for selected prisoners across Punjab in a humanitarian gesture ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
The move, aimed at allowing reformed inmates to reunite with their families during the festive occasion, is expected to benefit around 450 prisoners.
Following the chief minister’s directive, the Punjab Home Department issued a formal notification under Rule 216 of the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978, confirming the implementation of the amnesty. Out of the total beneficiaries, 270 prisoners will be released from various jails across the province in time to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.
According to officials, this concession also extends to inmates who have demonstrated good behaviour or had their fines paid by well-wishers, paving the way for early release in accordance with prison regulations. However, the amnesty comes with strict exclusions.
Exclusions from the Amnesty
The special pardon does not apply to prisoners convicted of:
-
Terrorism, sectarian violence, espionage, sedition, or anti-state activities
-
Murder, adultery, robbery, drug trafficking, and kidnapping
-
Financial embezzlement or those who have caused losses to the national treasury
Officials from the Home Department clarified that the initiative aligns with established legal provisions and applies only to those who meet specific eligibility criteria under the Pakistan Prison Rules.
