Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah. PHOTO: PPP/FILE
CM approves prisoner release summary
The summary suggested releasing prisoners who had been convicted for minor crimes
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah approved a summary on Sunday to release prisoners convicted for minor offences on four-month parole, in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus in prisons.
According to the summary forwarded by the Sindh Home Department, there are 16,024 inmates in jails across the province, while the prisons only have a total capacity of 13,538 inmates. The overcrowding in these jails exacerbates the risks of a coronavirus outbreak among the prisoners.
The summary suggested releasing prisoners who had been convicted for minor crimes, such as possession of drugs and other similar acts. The inmates, however, must furnish sureties for their release.
Meanwhile, individuals convicted for treason, murder, terrorism, and other serious offences will not be released under the current circumstances.
On conclusion of the four months of parole, the convicts will be shifted back to jail. If any of these prisoners are unable to be traced, they will be declared absconders.
The decision will be implemented after the final approval by the cabinet.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2020.
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