Islamabad, September 16, 2024–In honour of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, President Asif Ali Zardari has authorized a 90-day reduction in prison sentences, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recommendation. The sentence reduction, granted under Article 45 of the Constitution, aims to provide relief to eligible prisoners across Pakistan, though it excludes individuals convicted of serious offenses.
Prisoners convicted of crimes such as murder, espionage, anti-state activities, adultery, theft, robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism will not qualify for the reduction. Likewise, those sentenced under the Foreigners Act of 1946, the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act of 2022, or for financial crimes that harm the national treasury are also ineligible.
The reduction does extend to specific groups, including male prisoners over 65, women over 60, and minors under 18, provided they have served at least one-third of their sentences. These groups will benefit from the relief as part of the broader effort to support vulnerable individuals within the prison system.
Across the country, the spirit of Eid Milad-un-Nabi is visible in cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar, where streets, markets, and public spaces are adorned with green and white lights in celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth. Government buildings are also illuminated, while mosques and cultural centers host special sermons delivered by religious scholars, highlighting the Prophet’s teachings and his legacy of compassion and justice. President Zardari has previously granted similar sentence reductions on national holidays such as Independence Day, Pakistan Day, and Eid ul Fitr, demonstrating a consistent effort to offer clemency and relief on special occasions.
