President postpones execution of Saulat Mirza for 72 hours

President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said that the execution of Saulat Mirza, a death-row prisoner, has been postponed for 72 hours. Talking to reporters at Presidency after addressing a function in connection with preparation of Pakistan Day celebrations, the President also said that execution of another death-row prisoner Shafqat Mahmood has also been delayed for 72 hours and efforts were going on to ascertain his actual age.
About the European Union concerns over lifting of moratorium on death penalty, he said that the EU has its own opinion and Pakistan would go by its own law and Constitution.
The President said that the criminal elements irrespective of their belonging to any group or political party should be given punishment, adding that everyone would be responsible for his own deeds.
He said that it was responsibility of the government to maintain law and order in the country and it was utilising all its resources to maintain peace and eradicate terrorism and extremism.
Earlier, addressing the function, the President said that National Action Plan (NAP) on counter terrorism should continue actively till the elimination of terrorism, extremism and other crimes from the country.
The President also cautioned against those sowing seeds of hatred and undermining the very fabric of the society through corrupt practices. He said the country is facing enormous problems but the government and people are fully determined to restore peace, adding that the countrymen should play their part and denounce those elements spreading hatred in the society.
"The efforts of our armed forces would bear fruit soon and peace and tranquillity would be restored in the country", he said, adding that the government is making strenuous efforts and these would soon culminate into success.
He said that democratic institutions were strong, mutual accommodation was hallmark of politics and economic policies of the government were yielding positive results. He said that work on Pak-China Economic Corridor has started, which would not only help enhancing trade activities in the country but also in the region.
The President said Pakistan is desirous of maintaining good relations with all its neighbours, adding Pakistan is playing an important role in promoting regional security and peace.
He further said that maintaining cordial relations with the Muslim world is also one of the important pillars of the country's foreign policy. He further said that Pakistan is playing an important role in restoration of peace and stability in the region.