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2,200 prisoners released in NWFP

PESHAWAR: In the NWFP about 2,200 prisoners were released from different jails of the province benefited from the special remission granted by the government so far.

Talking to APP, the NWFP Inspector General of Prisons, Zainul Abideen, said 507 under-trial prisoners were released whose cases, which were of minor nature, were decided inside the jails. Camp courts were set up for the speedy trial of minor cases. Similarly, 638 convicted prisoners were released under the old age remission facility. Most of these prisoners were over 70.

He said the Eid remission announced by the Federal government benefited 432 prisoners up to February 21 last.

However, he said, the number has increased and has touched the figure of 2,200 throughout the province.

He informed that a magistrate visited the jail daily in every city for disposal of minor cases. He said that the number of prisoners being released could increase with the passage of time thus minimising the extra burden on jails. APP