19 Convicts in May 9 Case Pardoned on Humanitarian Grounds

The Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced the pardon of 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9, 2023, riots. The decision follows the submission of mercy petitions by the convicts, which were reviewed in line with legal protocols and approved on humanitarian grounds.

Out of 67 appeals filed, 48 were forwarded to the “Courts of Appeal” for further legal evaluation. After a meticulous review, 19 petitions were accepted based on compassionate principles, underscoring the judiciary’s balanced approach to justice and mercy.

The following convicts have been pardoned:

1. Muhammad Ayaz (son of Sahibzada Khan)
2. Sami Ullah (son of Mirdad Khan)
3. Laiq Ahmed (son of Manzoor Ahmed)
4. Amjad Ali (son of Manzoor Ahmed)
5. Yasir Nawaz (son of Amir Nawaz Khan)
6. Said Alam (son of Muazullah Khan)
7. Zahid Khan (son of Muhammad Nabi)
8. Muhammad Suleman (son of Said Ghani Jan)
9. Hamza Sharif (son of Muhammad Azam)
10. Muhammad Salman (son of Zahid Nisar)
11. Ashar Butt (son of Muhammad Arshad Butt)
12. Muhammad Waqas (son of Malik Muhammad Khalil)
13. Sufyan Idrees (son of Idrees Ahmed)
14. Muneeb Ahmed (son of Naveed Ahmed Butt)
15. Muhammad Ahmed (son of Muhammad Nazir)
16. Muhammad Nawaz (son of Abdul Samad)
17. Muhammad Ali (son of Muhammad Boota)
18. Muhammad Bilawal (son of Manzoor Hussain)
19. Muhammad Ilyas (son of Muhammad Fazal Haleem)

The ISPR clarified that all other mercy petitions are under review and will be addressed according to the law within the designated timeframe. Convicts retain their rights to further legal appeals as per constitutional provisions.

In its statement, the ISPR emphasized that the pardons represent a balance between accountability and humanitarian principles. This gesture is part of an ongoing commitment to fair legal processes. Earlier in April 2024, 20 convicts were also released on similar humanitarian grounds.