Rawalpindi: The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has announced the pardon of 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9 tragedy. According to a statement issued by ISPR, during the implementation of sentences, the convicts exercised their legal right by filing petitions for clemency. A total of 67 petitions were submitted, and 48 of these were sent for review to the Courts of Appeal. The petitions of 19 convicts were approved purely on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with the law.
The statement further clarified that the remaining petitions would be processed in due course, in line with legal procedures. The 19 convicts whose sentences were pardoned are listed as follows:
- Mohammad Ayaz, son of Sahibzada Khan
- Samiullah, son of Meerdad Khan
- Laiq Ahmed, son of Manzoor Ahmed
- Amjad Ali, son of Manzoor Ahmed
- Yasir Nawaz, son of Amir Nawaz Khan
- Syed Alam, son of Moazzallah Khan
- Zahid Khan, son of Mohammad Nabi
- Mohammad Suleman, son of Syed Ghani Jan
- Hamza Sharif, son of Mohammad Azam
- Mohammad Salman, son of Zahid Nisar
- Ashar Butt, son of Mohammad Arshad Butt
- Mohammad Waqas, son of Malik Mohammad Khaleel
- Sufyan Idris, son of Idris Ahmad
- Muneeb Ahmad, son of Naveed Ahmad Butt
- Mohammad Ahmad, son of Mohammad Nazir
- Mohammad Nawaz, son of Abdul Samad
- Mohammad Ali, son of Mohammad Bhutta
- Mohammad Bilal, son of Manzoor Hussain
- Mohammad Ilyas, son of Mohammad Fazal Haleem
The ISPR spokesperson stated that these individuals will be released following the completion of due process. The remaining convicts also retain the right to appeal, with all legal rights under the law and constitution intact.
The statement emphasized that the pardoning of these sentences reflects the strength of the judicial system and the commitment to justice. The ISPR noted that this action aligns with the principles of compassion and mercy, ensuring the fair delivery of justice. In April 2024, a similar order was issued, leading to the release of 20 convicts on humanitarian grounds.
