is a strong international consensus against the execution of individuals with mental illness. .................. 68. In line with the above discussion, we note that there appear to be no set disorders/disabilities for evaluating the severe mental illness, however a test of severity can be a guiding factor for recognizing those mental illnesses which qualify for an exemption. Therefore, the test envisaged herein predicates that the offender needs to have a severe mental illness or disability, which simply means that a medical professional would objectively consider the illness to be most serious so that he cannot understand or comprehend the nature and purpose behind the imposition of such punishment. These disorders generally include schizophrenia, other serious psychotic disorders, and dissociative disorders with schizophrenia. 64. Reference is also made to international human rights law which we have found relevant. Rule 109 of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) lays down that:1. Persons who are found to be not criminally responsible, or who are later diagnosed with severe mental disabilities and/or health conditions, for whom staying in prison would mean an exacerbation of their condition, shall not be detained in prisons, and arrangements shall be made to transfer them to mental health facilities as soon as possible. 2. If necessary, other prisoners with mental disabilities and/or health conditions can be observed and treated in specialized facilities under the supervision of qualified health-care professionals. 3. The health-care service shall provide for the psychiatric treatment of all other prisoners who are in need of such treatment. 65. Our attention has also been drawn to the Resolution 2000/65 adopted by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in the year 2000, whereby all the States who still sustain death penalty were urged "not to impose the death penalty on a person suffering from any form of mental disorder or to execute any such person". Reference has also been made to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), both ratified by the Government of Pakistan, in support of the contention that cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment shall not be awarded. 66. After considering the material discussed herein above, we hold that if a condemned prisoner, due to mental illness, is found to be unable to comprehend the rationale and reason behind his/her punishment, then carrying out the death sentence will not meet the ends of justice. However, it is clarified that not every mental illness shall automatically qualify for an exemption from carrying out the death sentence. This exemption will be applicable only in that case where a Medical Board consisting of mental health professionals, certifies after a thorough examination and evaluation that the condemned prisoner no longer has the higher mental functions to appreciate the rationale and reasons behind the sentence of death awarded to him/her. To determine whether a condemned prisoner suffers from