The Punjab Home Department on Friday shared details of prisoners being released ahead of Eid, saying 310 inmates will celebrate the festival with their families after securing release from jails across the province.
Officials said a major relief also came under the presidential remission, as 7,734 prisoners in Punjab would benefit from a 100-day sentence reduction.
Over the past year, as many as 18,263 inmates were granted remission on different grounds, including good conduct and educational achievements inside prisons. Sentence reductions are also awarded on recommendations from authorities including the president, home secretary and inspector general prisons.
According to prison rules, the remission does not apply to inmates convicted of serious offences. Prisoners involved in terrorism, sectarian violence, espionage, anti-state activities and rebellion are not eligible.
Similarly, those convicted of murder, rape, drug trafficking, robbery, kidnapping, embezzlement and causing loss to the national exchequer are excluded from such relief.
Separately, 759 inmates were released after philanthropists and organisations paid off their fines, diyat, arsh and daman. These included prisoners who had completed their sentences but remained behind bars due to inability to pay financial liabilities.
Officials said charitable contributions, including zakat funds, helped clear dues of several inmates, enabling their release before Eid.
However, authorities noted that 176 prisoners who have already completed their sentences are still awaiting release due to pending payments. A total of Rs396 million is required to secure their freedom.
The Home Department urged philanthropists to donate funds through the Punjab Prison Foundation to help release remaining inmates before Eid.
