LAHORE – In a special Eidul Azha gesture, the Punjab government has granted a 90-day sentence remission to inmates across the province. The move aims to promote prisoner welfare and allow selected inmates to reunite with their families during the festive season.
According to the Punjab Home Department, around 450 prisoners will benefit from this sentence reduction. Out of these, approximately 270 inmates will be released just in time to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.
The remission has been granted under Rule 216 of the Pakistan Prisons Rules 1978. However, it strictly excludes prisoners convicted of serious crimes, including terrorism, murder, rape, sectarian violence, and financial fraud.
Officials clarified that only those prisoners with good conduct and non-violent criminal records are eligible for this special relief. The aim is to encourage positive behavior and provide inmates with a second chance at life outside prison walls.
Moreover, the authorities stated that such initiatives help strengthen family bonds and reduce psychological stress among inmates. The move also supports the government’s broader goal of humane and reformative justice.
This Eid initiative reflects Punjab’s ongoing efforts to support rehabilitation while ensuring that public safety remains a top priority. The released prisoners are expected to return home in the coming days, marking a joyful reunion for many families.