India releases 12 Pakistani prisoners

At least 14 Pakistanis had completed their sentences in Indian jails but were not being released by authorities.


Express October 11, 2011

LAHORE: India handed over 12 Pakistani prisoners, who had completed their sentences, to Pakistani officials at Wagah border near Lahore on Tuesday, reported Express 24/7.

Fourteen Pakistani prisoners had completed their sentences but they were not being released by the Indian authorities. The Pakistan High Commission had been pursuing their cases for years but the mission’s efforts were restricted by lukewarm cooperation from India.

Among these prisoners are three fishermen, while one of the prisoners is mentally unstable. A man named Raju was reportedly denied clearance by Indian officials at the last moment and was not allowed to enter Pakistan.

Despite international obligations and bilateral agreements, concerns related to prisoners, their treatment under detention, timely intimation of arrest and repatriation have remained subject of discussion between the two sides, without significant results.

Charges against most prisoners are of illegal or inadvertent border crossing, visa violation and overstay.

COMMENTS (4)

Muhammad Khalid Butt | 12 years ago | Reply

I really appreciate Prof.Bhim Singh for endless efforts regarding release of Pakistani prisoners who are languishing in different Indian jails despite the fact that they have not only served their legal jail terms but also whose national status has been confirmed by the government of Pakistan. Their "Verification Proforma"(s) regarding confirmation of their nationality status have already been forwarded to the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. The Honorable Judges of the august/apex Supreme Court Of India (Mr. Justice R.M.Lodha & Mr. Justice H.L.Gokhale) have won hearts of Pakistani for upholding the Constitution/Justice.Detention of a prisoner after completion of his jail term is unjust,illegal,unlawful and clear violation of basic fundamental rights. Supreme Court of India must ensure immediate release of all Pakistani prisoners immediately. Sikandar-e-Azam Sani s/o Muhammad Khalid Butt has completed his 3-years jail term on 30th June, 2011 but he is still confined in the central jail, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu. He was arrested on 19th July, 2008. His FIR No. 58/2008 was registered in the GAROTA Police Station. Period he remained in the custody w.e.f. 19th July, 2008 till his judgement has not been adjusted against his total sentence which seem normally unjust. His national status has been verified/confirmed accordingly and communicated to the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi within due course of time. Personal intervention of the apex Supreme Court of Indian is requested in the instant case. I shall be extreme grateful to both the honorable justices.

Muhammad Khalid Butt | 12 years ago | Reply

3-years jail term/sentence of my son namely, Sikandar-e-Azam Sani S/O Muhammad Khalid Butt resident of Islamabad has since been expired on 30th June 2011. His 'national status' has already been confirmed/verified by the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Interior and transmitted to the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi accordingly. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government of Pakistan is humbly requested to talk to the Ministry of External Affairs/Home Ministry of India to kindly issue NOC to enable the Pakistani High Commission prepare his "emergency travel certificate/document." My son is confined in the central jail, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

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