Islamabad, Pakistan: In human history, phrases such as forgiveness, pardon, and amnesty have been associated with higher levels of leadership.
The Quranic phrase ‘ma’a al-qudrah’ highlights that the noble-minded person forgives despite having the power or capability to take revenge. This highlights the strength of character and self-control required to be a leader. Simply put, trying to take revenge is natural but forgiveness is noble when one has one’s enemy in one’s power.
The Army Chief’s pardoning of these 19 convicts linked with the May 9 incidents is strong evidence that the Army Chief has the qualities of ‘rear of rears’ and is full of humanitarian sentiments and a very compassionate person. This decision has been made solely based on humanitarian sentiments, which proves the transparency and impartiality of military trials and the law. The remaining convicts also have the right to appeal and other legal rights as per the law and constitution. These individuals had nearly completed their two-year sentences, and their appeals were granted purely on compassionate grounds, proving that the military courts operate fairly and per the Constitution.
This move not only silences critics of military trials but also highlights the Army Chief’s balanced approach toward justice and mercy.
This decision also proves that the army is not taking any revenge against any individual in the May 9 case, but is providing all possible relief and convenience wherever possible, fulfilling the requirements of justice and law, and also keeping humanitarian sentiments in mind.
Contrary to PTI’s narrative, the military has shown no vengeful intent in dealing with the rioters. The swift decisions made—both in sentencing and in granting mercy—demonstrate the military’s adherence to justice, while also taking human compassion into account.
The Army Chief had made it clear that while the state offers relief to those who show genuine remorse, it will not tolerate acts of violence and chaos.
This decision also highlights that the military is offering every legal avenue, including mercy petitions, to convicts, further reinforcing the fairness of the process.
The approval of these mercy appeals is a testament to the Army Chief’s empathy & military’s commitment to justice, rejecting any baseless speculation that ties this process to political motives.
