Two death row inmates at Karachi Central Jail convicted in 2014 were granted a reprieve by the relatives of the deceased just one day before their scheduled executions.
In 2014, both inmates were convicted of murder and expressed deep remorse, seeking clemency from the President.
One inmate shared his relief at the pardon: “Our execution was imminent, but a stay was issued just 24 hours prior, as the victim’s family forgave us. We deeply regret our past actions and now appeal to the President for clemency.”
He added a poignant detail about their age at the time of the crime: “I was merely 17 and a half, and my friend was 18 when we committed the mistake. After the victim’s family’s forgiveness, why the state insists on punishment puzzles us. We have spent 19 years behind bars already.”
Read: Crime Surge in Sindh: Over 5,000 Suspects Shifted to Karachi Central Jail in Five Months
In the meantime, officials at the jail described a stark transformation in the facility’s conditions. Up until 2017, Karachi Central Jail grappled with violence, drug abuse, and a lack of adequate staff, mirroring the security challenges in Karachi itself.
A senior official recounted the tough times and recent improvements: “Many of our officers were martyred in those difficult years. In 2017, the escape of two high-profile inmates led to significant changes. Now, the jail is free from the dominance of criminals or terrorists.”
The official also pointed out positive changes in educational opportunities for inmates: “We’ve implemented educational reforms. Many prisoners engage in higher education, with a considerable number annually completing their intermediate and graduation studies.”
