KARACHI — Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday announced a special 90-day remission in prison sentences across the province on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, offering relief to eligible inmates as part of a humanitarian initiative.
According to the announcement, prisoners serving sentences in jails across Sindh will benefit from the remission, aimed at allowing individuals involved in minor offences to reintegrate into society sooner and reunite with their families during the festive period.
Exclusions for Serious Crimes
However, the chief minister made it clear that the concession will not apply to prisoners convicted of serious crimes. Inmates involved in terrorism, espionage, subversion, and anti-state activities have been excluded from the relief. Similarly, those convicted of heinous offences such as murder, rape, and kidnapping for ransom will not be eligible.
The remission will also not extend to individuals convicted in cases of dacoity, robbery, financial embezzlement, or corruption involving losses to the national exchequer. Prisoners sentenced under the Narcotics Act and the Foreigners Act have likewise been excluded.
Conditions for Life-Term Prisoners
Murad Ali Shah further clarified that the remission granted to life-term prisoners will not affect the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. Additionally, only those inmates who meet the criteria outlined under prison rules, particularly Rule 789, will qualify for the reduction.
Implementation Directive
Directing immediate implementation of the decision, the chief minister instructed the Inspector General of Prisons to enforce the orders without delay and submit a compliance report.
Humanitarian Vision
Describing the move as a step based on humanitarian considerations, Shah said the aim is to encourage prisoners with good conduct and provide them with an opportunity to become responsible and productive members of society.
“We want to ensure that prisoners involved in minor crimes complete their sentences early and return to their loved ones,” he said, adding that the broader goal is to transform prisons in Sindh into genuine reform centres rather than mere detention facilities.
Commitment to Rules
The provincial government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with court decisions and prison regulations, particularly in cases involving life-term inmates.
Context
Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramazan, is traditionally a time when governments across Pakistan announce special remissions for prisoners, allowing eligible inmates to celebrate the holiday with their families. The Sindh government’s announcement follows similar practices in previous years, though with continued emphasis on excluding those convicted of serious crimes.
