KABUL - President Hamid Karzai on Saturday issued a decree for the release of a number of prisoners and granting remission to others, including women and children.

Issued on the eve of Mujahidin’s Victory Day, the decree is in accordance with Article 64 of the Constitution, the Cabinet Secretariat said.

A statement from the secretariat said hardened criminals involved in terrorist attacks, drug smuggling, robberies, kidnappings, corruption and violence against women would not benefit from the amnesty.

Ministries of women and social affairs have been ordered to hold the children being released in safe houses and correctional centers until their families were informed. (Pajhwok)