After 20 years, Dr Khalil Chisty finally returns home

PHOTO: EXPRESS/MOHAMMAD SAQIB

KARACHI: Dr Khalil Chisty, who returned to Pakistan after two decades yesterday, reached his home in Karachi on Wednesday evening, Express News reported.

He was received by a host of supporters, media men and politicians, including Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghouri at the Jinnah International airport in Karachi.

Express News reporter Vakeel Rao reported that Dr Chishty thanked the media for their prayers and support which had aided his return to Karachi. He added that his happiness knew no bounds.

Dr Chishty has reached house no. B-210 in North Nazimabad, returning to his home after almost 20 years.

Earlier on Tuesday, a frail looking, teary eyed Dr Khalil Chishty was wheeled off the President’s special plane, and on to Pakistani soil in Islamabad.

Dr Chishty, who was allowed by the Indian Supreme Court on humanitarian basis to visit Pakistan, was flown from New Delhi to Islamabad, aboard the President’s special plane. He was received by Minister of Interior Rehman Malik at the airport.

Speaking to media men, he thanked President Zardari for his efforts in bringing him back to Pakistan, before being driven away in Malik’s car.

An Indian Supreme Court order in April this year and a consequent order from the same court last week have facilitated Dr Chishty’s journey to meet his family members in Pakistan. He will have to report back on November 1.

For Dr Chishty – who was sentenced to life imprisonment on January 31, 2011 after a protracted trial for his alleged involvement in a murder in 1992 – this is the first time in two decades that he crossed the Rajasthan border.

Local newspapers described the grief of the situation as he left the state in which he had been incarcerated for two decades.

Dr Chisty told the media: “I am thankful to you all. You all have been very kind.”