On Independence Day eve, President Asif Zardari has approved a 90-day reduction in the sentences of select prisoners under Article 45 of the Constitution.
The relaxation does not extend to those convicted of murder, espionage, anti-state activities, or serious crimes such as adultery, theft, robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Male inmates over 65 years who have served at least one-third of their sentences are eligible for a reduction.
Women aged 60 and above, as well as those incarcerated with children, will also benefit from the sentence reduction if they have served one-third of their sentence.
The reduction applies to inmates under the age of 18 who have completed one-third of their imprisonment.
Presidential clemency reflects a humanitarian approach, focusing on the elderly, women with children, and juveniles while excluding those convicted of heinous crimes.
