President Zardari has announced a 90-day decrease in the sentences of different prisoners to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day. Under Article 45 of the constitution, the President’s House released a statement on Monday announcing the decision to relieve specific categories of inmates nationwide. The President made this announcement, exercising the power to pardon, reprieve, or commute sentences as granted by Article 45 of the Pakistani Constitution
Legal Framework for Sentence Reduction
The sentence reduction is based on Article 45 of the Constitution, which gives the president powers regarding the commutation and remission of sentences. This allows him to exercise mercy towards prisoners, especially on national events such as Independence Day, but this leniency has limits and does not apply universally.
Exclusions from the Sentence Reduction President Zardari
The declaration clearly states who cannot avail of this facility; people involved in heinous crimes like murder, espionage, or anti-state activities are excluded without any ambiguity in their conviction status being mentioned. This ref states the state’s policy of dealing strictly with those persons who can pose a grave threat to peace within society or security.
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Sexual offenses, including adultery, as well as theft, robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism-related convictions, will not benefit from sentence reduction. The government demonstrates its commitment to the rule of law by ensuring that perpetrators involved in serious criminal acts receive the full punishment mandated by laws enacted by parliament.
In addition to these serious offenses, the authorities will not consider financial crimes when deciding who is eligible for relief measures. The executive branch has taken the highest level actions to address this, leaving no room for exceptions except for those convicted under the Foreigners Act 1946 or the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act 2022, who will remain outside the purview of these measures.
. Hence, they maintain a tight grip over drug trafficking & illegal immigration, both seen as major threats to national safety.
Categories Eligible for Sentence Reduction
Although the announcement contains stringent provisions barring many prisoners from benefiting, it also provides respite to a few other categories. Similarly, females incarcerated at age 60 and upwards will enjoy the same privilege if they satisfy these conditions, which shows a humane attitude towards older female offenders within correctional facilities.
