Terrorist cannot be released on reconciliation basis: SC

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday declared that given a verdict over the release of a terrorist on the basis of reconciliation as irreconcilable. The apex court has ruled in its judgment that the perpetrator cannot be released on the basis of reconciliation in a terror case.

"The crime of terrorism is an unacceptable act and it is not possible to release the culprit charged with terror changes," the court remarked. The verdict stated that in a favorable case, a compromise or settlement between the parties under certain circumstances may consider reducing the offender's sentence.

"In a terrorism case, a reduction in the sentence will not be automatically reduced after reconciliation between the parties", the court added. The apex court ruled that it would be the court's discretion to consider reducing the offender's sentence. The crime of terrorism is different from other crimes. The court further remarked that the trial court will consider the reduction of the sentence after the reconciliation in the terror case.

It said that in its verdict that the President of Pakistan will consider the reduction or appeal of mercy with the judicial forms of a terrorist. In the event of a rejection of mercy appeal from President, the jail superintendent will send a new appeal to the President on the behalf of reconciling parties.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019