19 Convicts from May 9 Riots Receive Pardon: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on 2nd January 2025 regarding the mercy petitions submitted by those convicted in connection with the tragic events of 9th May. Following the promulgation of sentences, 67 convicts exercised their right to appeal, requesting clemency or remission of their punishments. As a result, the mercy petitions of 48 individuals have been forwarded to the Courts of Appeal for further consideration, while 19 petitions have already been accepted and their sentences remitted purely on humanitarian grounds, in line with legal procedures.

The convicts whose punishments have been reduced include Muhammad Ayaz, Sami Ullah, Laeeq Ahmed, Amjad Ali, Yasir Nawaz, Said Alam, Zahid Khan, Muhammad Suleman, Hamza Sharif, Muhammad Salman, Asher Butt, Muhammad Waqas, Sufayan Idrees, Muneeb Ahmed, Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Bilawal, and Muhammad Ilyas. These 19 individuals will be released once all procedural formalities are completed.

The ISPR emphasized that all the convicted individuals continue to retain their right to appeal and pursue other legal remedies available under the law and the constitution. The remission of punishments not only highlights the strength of due process but also underscores the importance of fairness and compassion in the justice system.

This decision is a reflection of the military’s commitment to upholding legal procedures while taking humanitarian considerations into account. The military’s approach ensures that justice is not only served but also tempered with mercy where appropriate.

In a similar humanitarian gesture in April 2024, 20 convicts were also released on the grounds of compassion, further demonstrating the military’s balanced approach to justice and human dignity.

The ISPR statement further reiterated that the legal process, while efficient and fair, also allows for flexibility in cases where humanity and mercy should guide decisions, reinforcing the integrity of military law and justice.

ISPR statement!

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on January 2, 2025, announcing the remission of punishments for 19 individuals convicted in connection with the tragic events of 9th May 2024. These individuals, who had been sentenced to two years in prison, had appealed for clemency, and their petitions were granted purely on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with the law. The decision reflects the transparency and fairness of the military trial process, underscoring the commitment to upholding constitutional and legal principles.

The ISPR statement emphasized that the military court trials were conducted with complete adherence to the law and constitution, refuting claims from certain elements who had criticized the military’s legal procedures under the guise of human rights concerns. The decision to grant clemency to these 19 individuals highlights the fairness of the process and serves as a direct response to those who had unjustly attacked the military law and trial system.

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The 19 convicts, who had already served approximately one year and six months of their two-year sentences, were granted remission of their remaining sentences, which ranged from four to five months. The decision was made swiftly, reflecting the efficiency of the legal process and the military’s commitment to justice, with humanitarian considerations being taken into account. The release of these individuals is a testament to the impartiality of the system, where both the rule of law and compassion are prioritized.

The ISPR also reiterated that the military is not pursuing any form of vengeance but is focused on ensuring justice is served while providing relief and support where possible. This reflects the army’s approach to upholding legal and ethical standards while remaining mindful of humanitarian concerns.

The statement further highlighted that this decision, based solely on humanitarian grounds, reinforces the transparency, impartiality, and fairness of the military trial and justice system. Additionally, all remaining convicts retain the right to appeal, and their legal rights under the law and the constitution remain intact.

The ISPR’s statement also referred to a similar act of clemency in April 2024, when 20 convicts had their sentences remitted on humanitarian grounds. This serves as further proof of the Army Chief’s compassionate leadership and commitment to mercy.

It was also made clear that this decision should not be politicized or linked to any political processes. The remission of sentences was based purely on humanitarian principles and not influenced by any external factors or speculations.