Abdul Basit, a paraplegic who had been on death row at Faisalabad Central Prison, was released today after the President granted clemency under Article 45 of the Constitution following a recommendation by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on humanitarian and constitutional grounds.
The Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, remained actively engaged in the case while the Ministry of Human Rights worked closely with the Punjab Prison Department to ensure the necessary procedures were completed for Abdul Basit’s release.
On the direction of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Human Rights, Parliamentary Secretary Saba Sadiq visited Faisalabad Central Prison at the time of release and said she had been specially sent to meet Abdul Basit on behalf of the government. She expressed sympathy with the family of the victim and noted that although nothing can reduce their pain, the decision reflects the spirit of justice and humanity the state is bound to uphold.
Abdul Basit’s long confinement under death row conditions and his disability had drawn repeated calls for compassionate consideration, and authorities said the clemency was issued after careful review of the humanitarian and constitutional factors surrounding the case.
