ISLAMABAD: On the eve of Independence Day, President Asif Zardari approved a 90-day reduction in the sentences of selected prisoners under Article 45 of the Constitution.
The relaxation does not apply to persons convicted of murder, espionage, treason or serious crimes such as adultery, theft, robbery, kidnapping and terrorism.
Men over 65 who have served at least one-third of their sentence are eligible for a reduction.
Women aged 60 and over, as well as those imprisoned with children, will also benefit from a reduced sentence if they serve a third of their sentence.
The reduction applies to prisoners under the age of 18 who have completed one-third of their prison sentence.
Presidential pardons reflect a humanitarian approach, targeting the elderly, women with children and juveniles, while excluding those convicted of heinous crimes.
