Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of Pakistan Day and Eid ul Fitr, President Asif Ali Zardari announced a 180-day special remission in sentences for certain prisoners.
The remission, granted under Article 45 of the Constitution, will not apply to individuals convicted of serious crimes, such as murder, espionage, anti-state activities, rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, financial crimes, offenses causing losses to the national treasury, or violations under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2022.
The remission will primarily benefit male prisoners aged 65 and above who have served at least one-third of their sentence, as well as female prisoners aged 60 and above who meet the same criteria.
Women prisoners detained with children and juvenile offenders under 18 who have served one-third of their sentence will also be eligible for the remission.
The federal government on Wednesday officially announced public holidays for Eidul Fitr, starting from March 31 to April 2.
A notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat stated that the prime minister has declared these dates as public holidays in celebration of Eidul Fitr.
The holiday period will span from Monday to Wednesday, allowing citizens to observe the festivities and celebrate the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, along with zonal committees, will meet on Sunday evening, March 30, 2025 (Ramazan 29, 1446 AH), to sight the Shawwal moon, marking the potential end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in Pakistan.
The meeting will be held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where religious scholars, meteorological experts, and other stakeholders will gather to examine moon sighting reports from across the country.
This session will determine the exact date for Eidul Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
Earlier, The government has decided to celebrate Pakistan Day on a limited scale but “with traditional enthusiasm.”
Sources quoted senior officials that the traditional parade of armed forces on March 23 will be held on a limited scale. The decision to hold the parade on a smaller scale was made due to the ongoing holy month of Ramazan, they added.
The three branches of the armed forces will take part in parade which will be held on the premises of the President’s House. President Asif Zardari will be the chief guest on the occasion, the continued.
Sources mentioned that fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force will also hold fly-past in front of the President’s House. The Pakistan Army’s renowned pipe band will perform on the occasion.
Invitations have been extended to foreign dignitaries, ambassadors and other important personalities to attend the event.
