LAKKI MARWAT: A prisoner, who completed his master’s degree and learned holy Quran by heart during his life imprisonment, was released from Central Jail, Bannu, the other day after getting special pardon.

Haidar Abbas, a resident of Kohat, was among 50 prisoners who were released from Bannu jail after the government granted them a special pardon on the occasion of Independence Day. These prisoners had completed the major term of their sentence.

Over 300 other convicted inmates have been given remission in their jail terms.

Jail superintendent Tahir Shahbaz Khan Wazir garlanded the pardoned prisoners and distributed sweets among them.

Abbas Haidar told mediapersons on the occasion that the amnesty granted by the government had paved the way for his release. He recalled that he had been sentenced to life imprisonment after his conviction in a murder case.

“I am thankful to the government for granting me remission of five years in my jail term,” he said and added that though freedom was a great blessing he spent a good time in jail.

“The cooperation by prison officials and staffers enabled me to complete my education from matriculation to master’s level,” he said.

Mr Haidar said he had also learnt the holy Quran with translation by heart during his prison term. He said he had completed language, electrician and computer courses that would help him to earn his livelihood in a dignified way.

He pledged that he would lead a peaceful life and work for promotion of peace and tolerance in the society.

The jail superintendent congratulated the freed prisoners and advised them to end petty disputes.

“The pardoned prisoners should carry a message to their area people to resolve their issues through mediation and talks as enmities destroy families,” Mr Wazir said.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2022