COAS Remits Sentences, 20 Individuals Released Before Eid

The federal government has informed the Supreme Court that 20 individuals arrested for their involvement in the May 9 violence have been released to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their families. These individuals, hailing from Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa and Punjab, had served a major part of their sentence, with the remaining period remitted by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

Following a modification to a previous court order, military courts were allowed to resume trials but were directed not to convict or acquit any suspects until government-instituted Intra-Court Appeals (ICAs) were resolved. As a result, 20 individuals were awarded one-year sentences, of which 17 had served around 10.5 months and three had served 9.5 months. The COAS remitted the remaining period of their punishment under Section 143(1)(i) of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952.

Individuals from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Mohammad Idrees, Aswad Rajput, Nadir Khan, Yasir Aman, and others, were released after spending more than 10 months in jail. The report submitted to the court confirmed the compliance with the government's statement made on March 28 regarding the release of these individuals before Eid.

In conclusion, the release of these individuals ahead of Eidul Fitr comes after they served significant portions of their sentences, with the remaining period remitted by the COAS. The modified court order allowed for the resumption of trials by military courts, ensuring that justice was served while also considering the circumstances of the cases.