Over 400 prisoners released ahead of Eidul Fitr across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR: More than 400 prisoners were released from jails across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ahead of Eidul Fitr after district and sessions judges along with judicial magistrates conducted special visits to prisons on the directives of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) chief justice.

According to a press release, the judicial officers visited prisons throughout the province and disposed of 378 cases of petty nature in accordance with the law, resulting in the release of 422 prisoners.

Purpose of the initiative

The press release stated that the purpose of these special visits was to ensure the expeditious disposal of cases of minor nature. The initiative, it added, reflects the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring timely dispensation of justice, and extending relief to deserving individuals, particularly on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

PHC chief justice appreciates judicial officers

PHC Chief Justice SM Attique Shah appreciated the efforts of all judicial officers for their diligence and dedication in carrying out the exercise. The chief justice noted that the initiative also contributed to alleviating overcrowding in prisons across the province.

Special visit to Peshawar Central Prison

Meanwhile, Peshawar District and Sessions Judge Inamullah Wazir visited the Peshawar Central Prison along with the judicial magistrate, Mohammad Waqas, as part of the same initiative directed by the PHC chief justice.

The coordinated effort by the judiciary across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's prison system ahead of the Eid festival underscores the provincial judiciary's focus on providing timely justice and ensuring that individuals held for minor offences are not kept behind bars unnecessarily, particularly during significant religious occasions.

The release of over four hundred prisoners through the disposal of nearly 380 petty cases marks a significant step towards addressing the longstanding issue of prison overcrowding in the province while simultaneously ensuring that the rule of law is maintained throughout the process.