Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari has sanctioned a remission in sentences for certain categories of prisoners on the commemorative occasions of Pakistan Day, which is celebrated on March 23, and the religious festival of Eid ul Fitr. This presidential clemency is grounded in constitutional authority and aimed at specific inmate groups, excluding those convicted of severe offenses.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the President exercised his constitutional powers to offer a 90-day remission of sentences for eligible prisoners during these significant national and religious celebrations. This decision aligns with Article 45 of the Constitution and supplements the existing protocols under Rule 15-A of the Rules of Business.

However, the remission excludes prisoners convicted of serious crimes, including murder, espionage, anti-state activities, rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, and financial crimes. The initiative primarily benefits elderly male prisoners above the age of 65 and female prisoners above 60, who have completed at least one-third of their sentence, as well as juvenile inmates meeting the same criterion of sentence completion.

This measure by President Zardari reflects a customary act of leniency coinciding with national celebrations, fostering a spirit of mercy and benevolence, albeit within the confines of public safety and justice.