KARACHI: The provincial government on Saturday granted special remission of 180 days, or six months, to convicted prisoners confined in various prisons of the province on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

The special remission, on the recommendation of the inspector general of prisons, is for the convicted prisoners, except condemned prisoners and those convicted in murder, espionage, subversion, anti-state activities, terrorist activities, kidnapping/abduction, dacoity and those undergoing sentences under the Foreigners Act.

The number of prisoners who may benefit on award of the special remission of 180 days include 371 of Karachi central prison; 264 Hyderabad; 233 Sukkur; 101 Larkana; 63 Khairpur; 47 Mirpurkhas; eight in Karachi women prison; 88 District Prison Malir; Special Prison Nara and Hyderabad 13; Special Prison for Women Sukkur four; two Shaheed Benazirabad; one each in Dadu, Ghotki, Larkana, Youth Industrial school Karachi and Youth Industrial Sukkur.

Official sources said that the provincial jail chief had sent recommendations to the Sindh government for granting remission to the prisoners on the occasion of Eidul Fitr as was done every year.

They said that since the cabinet was not in the meeting, the summary was sent to the chief minister and circulated among cabinet members by the chief secretary and the chief minister later approved it.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had on last Sunday announced 90-day remission to prisoners during his visit to Kot Lakhpar Jail, Lahore.

Later, the interior minister in a letter to the provinces announced 90-day special remission in sentences of prisoners on Eidul Fitr occasion under Article 45 of the presidential powers.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2022