Islamabad: Abdul Basit, a paraplegic death row prisoner, was released today from Faisalabad Central Prison following the grant of Presidential clemency under Article 45 of the Constitution. His disability and prolonged confinement under death row conditions had drawn widespread attention, prompting repeated appeals for clemency on compassionate grounds.

The clemency was granted after the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, recommended the case on humanitarian and constitutional grounds. The Prime Minister's leadership and personal commitment to upholding justice and compassion were central to ensuring this outcome.

The Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, remained actively engaged in the process, while the Ministry of Human Rights worked closely with the Punjab Prison Department to finalize the matter.

On the direction of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Human Rights, Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Saba Sadiq visited Faisalabad Central Prison at the time of Abdul Basit's release. Speaking on the occasion, she said that she had been specially sent to meet Abdul Basit on their behalf.

Ms. Saba Sadiq expressed sympathy with the family of the victim, stating that while nothing can lessen their pain, the decision reflects the spirit of justice and humanity that the state is bound to uphold.