Mistaken identity: Surjeet, not Sarabjeet Singh to be released
It had earlier been reported that Indian spy, Sarabjeet Singh, who was sentenced to death on September 15, 1991 on allegations that he was involved in three bomb blasts in Lahore and one in Multan, would not be sent to the gallows, and may be instead be released after his sentence was commuted to a life term.
However, the Presidential spokespeson Senator Farhatullah Babar confirmed that the Indian prisoner being released was Surjeet Singh, whose death penalty had been commuted to life term by former President Ghulam Ishaq Khan in 1989. His release orders were issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice since Surjeet had served his 22 year life term.
Surjeet Singh, alias Makhan Singh has been imprisoned since October 31, 1985 being convicted and sentenced to death under section 59-PAA by the commanding officer of the 106 Brigade Headquarter, Lahore Cantt. He had submitted his mercy petition before the chief of army staff which was rejected, but carried comments that the plea ought to be forwarded to the President of Pakistan.
The mercy petition was subsequently forwarded to then president of Pakistan Ghulam Ishaq Khan on December 24, 1985 but during the pendency of the mercy petition, a general amnesty to all condemned prisoners was granted.
Hence Surjeet Singh's sentence was commuted from death to life imprisonment in compliance with orders of the president of Pakistan and from December 8, 1988, he has been treated as a prisoner serving a life term. In all, the information and correspondence with the Punjab secretary home, and inspector general of prisons Punjab his status is mentioned as a prisoner convicted for life.
Surjeet Singh’s sentence had expired on October 30, 2010 but in light of direction of GHQ his mercy petition was referred to the president.
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1732523125-0/Express-Tribune-(7)1732523125-0-270x192.webp "atc approves physical remand of pti workers arrested during protest in islamabad")
@sick of this nonsense: Terrorists are not supposed to be released on humanitarian grounds. If you are in place of a victim, what will you want. Release or Sentence???
Waking up hopes of kin of a person, who is on death penalty and then turn around is ..a shame. Not interested in giving pardon, kill him. This dilly dallying and playing with hopes is wrong. Shame on you people. You people are sadists. Some refer to kasabs exchange .. for gods sake ...he was seen on national television roaming with kalashnikov and shooting in mumbai...You people think of him as a hero. Dont you..? Your mindset is the cause for your downfall...you will end up as iraq...
This is what news reports say now.
"I think there is some confusion. First, it is not a case of pardon. More importantly, it is not Sarabjit. It is Surjeet Singh, son of Sucha Singh. His death sentence was commuted in 1989 by President (Ghulam) Ishaq (Khan) on the advice of (then premier) Benazir Bhutto," presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar told PTI.
Law Minister Farooq Naek on Tuesday conveyed to the Interior Ministry that Surjeet Singh had completed his life term in jail and ought to be released and sent back to India, Babar said.
"Keeping him in jail any longer will be illegal confinement," he added.
Any references to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in the entire matter were "out of context", the presidential spokesman said.
so the conclusion is , he was illegally confined after expiry of his term and is now released.
No pardon, what so ever.
Cowards all of you ! Pakistani people again surrender before their agencies. You deserves the kind of leaders you have had so far.
So Sad. The man being released, had completed his sentence in 2010. He was being held even after expiry of his term and is being released. Should we be mad or happy ?
So no news here. Mr Surjeets life term expired in 2010. He was still held, even after his life term expired. Now he is released.
what a cruel joke with someone.
Was this a last minute pull out by Pakistani govt?? After pressure from different sides of Pakistan for making this move..Has Zardari backtracked his statements???
Mistaken identity, indians got excited for nothing
I have a Question Ajmal Kasab is just alleged in Mumbai incident and India has almost deteriorated relations with Pakistan because of that single man's alleged involvement...I m not defending Kasab & I don't even demand his release...but why do Indians want a convicted(not just alleged) Indian to b released and want Kasab to b hanged.. Dual Standards?
You have extremists on both sides of the border who benefit from tense relationship.In old days ,external factor emanating from cold war also contributed to worsening relationships.The politicians of neither country worked towards a durable peace.In some respect and in certain areas pak-india relationship was an election issue and vote puller.Naturally these elements do not want to become UNEMPLOYED. Though like many I am hopefull that one day peace will return to subcontinent,I am reminded of hurdles ,hate and hollowness of promises of politicians.
Sarabjeet is an angel you can't compare him with Dr.Aafia, her only crime is that not a single American matches her qualifications, Pakistanis your Blood is cheap!
@Mirza: So true Mirza. I really appreciate the positivity you have shown in your comments. We have been a victim of this policy of hatred for very long time. Now it is indeed time for us to move forward and beat the promoters of hatred through such bold, positive, and concrete measures.
Thank you Mr.President for such a bold and humanitarian decision. You have made us proud once again. Lately, Dr.Chisti's return to Pakistan was much celebrated and I am pretty sure Indians will experience the same joy very soon for Mr.Singh. We wish India and Pakistan move beyond historical conflicts which are the major hurdles in our mutual progress and interests. Both nations need to take bold initiatives in the larger interests of the people across borders. May Indians and Pakistanis enjoy the long lasting benefits of peace, progress, and prosperity.
@Mirza:
"The elected govt is creating frienship between the two countries by these small steps and building confidence and mutual respect. Let us hope the deep state and its touts do not start the war mongering. Let us keep moving in the positive direction and for the betterment and progress of Pakistan. We have been on a policy of hatred (both countries) now give peace and love a chance. This is a must for the progress of Pakistan."
Had a few of the 14 killed were your kith and kin, would you still say the same thing? It is easy to say such things when you are not on the losing end.
P.S. I am a strong supporter of good relations with India, like US has with Canada, but only after the fair resolution of all the outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India.
@ Abid What about the witness who family died in the attack and implicated Sarabjit as an eye witness and later retracted his statement and said he had given his statement under police pressure. What about the two life sentences he has already served. What if he did not do it... and if he did are two life sentences not enough... What you propose ?
What about the release of Ajmal Kasab then? both countries will come even closer.@BlackJack:
@raghavsacchar please read what I wrote, when you give reference its better to get them from the horses mouth hence SC of India would be the right source. The concept of Appeal is to challenge the verdict hence pleading your innocence and until the appeal is rendered it would be bais to pass judgement.
Irrespective if Sarabjit is Innocent or not, Zardari has only commuted his sentence, so hardly a comparison. I would not venture and speculate Zardari's motivation as things are quite complex in Pakistan at the moment.
Again I never said we had a good system however you were making a point that India did so I hardly see the relevance of your last statement....
Long live Zardariji! I am impressed with him.
Reading through the comments.... One thing is for sure - the animosity between the two countries is not due to the politicians. It is the people who are mired in hatred for each other. Here is an elected leader of Pakistan who took a step in all honesty and goodwill and he draws flak from his countrymen.
May be it is time to set aside blind hatred and encourage decisions like these that would improve relations. Also, it is not clear why some Pakistani friends would ask for Ajmal's release. Why would anyone want the likes of Ajmal released? Do you guys like to keep the bad eggs among yourselves?
@Khan:
"The guy mistakenly crossed over and was beaten to confess .. one of the so called witness later on retracted his statement saying he was forced to name Sarabjit by the police."
He mistakenly crossed the border - and instead of going back he walked (or perhaps used public transport) more than 20 kilometers to be found in Lahore. Looks like he was suffering from some kind of mental and directional disorders too. He was beaten to confess - was he also beaten in front of the magistrate to confess. Was he not given access to the due process from Session Court to High Court and up to Supreme Court. If one witness, out of many, retracted he could have appealed to clear himself through court, but he didn't. Why? Remember Kashmir Singh? The moment he touched Indian soil, he proudly admitted being a spy and made fun of the Pakistani authorities for getting deceived by his innocence pleas.
@Ya
1.Please check the indianexpress link that i gave some posts ago
2.well yes you can appeal but that doesn't makes him a lesser criminal then anyone convicted of murder .even if any terrorist is convicted the same goes for him also. regarding consideration the same thing can be said about mr zardari releasing him, if zardari was sure that he was a terrorist rather than a case of mistaken identity why would he release him and loose some votes in upcoming elections?
3.again... we can use same Tu Quoque Fallacy to look at mr sarabjeet who has been there in pk for more than 19 years
Proud of you President Zardari! Excellent decision for the cause of humanity & good will between India & Pakistan. Wish there would be more from both sides. Free the poor fishermen from both countries. End hate & talk about love, forgiveness & togetherness.
@Mazi: Is Dr. afia your phuphi? She is an american citizen and in american for breaking the american law, simple as that.
Oh God he killed 14 ppl. If this was deal to get Chisti back it was a deal with the devil. Very disappointed. If the SC freed him on poor evidence that would be ok but a Presidential Pardon. Really???
@ Black Shaheen,Gopal Das had served most of his sentence, was released approx 6 months before his sentence was over, my opinion is that President Zardari was dead on with his decision. For the case of Sarabjit Singh he has served almost 2 life sentences, he was not pardoned, his sentence was commuted. He was not given two life sentences but rather death by hanging, considering he was not hanged for 22 years it only makes sense what President Zadari did. How many times are we going to punish him, we keep on following this foolish trend, and we are soon to become a sadist society...
@Zeta: and btw please dont make lame comparisn with Dr. chisti and terrorist Sarabjeet. Dr. Chisti was involved in domestic crime while Sarabjeet is convicted terrorist and spy
And Dr. Chisti's case is still not decided. He is not a criminal, he is alleged. So there's a big difference between Dr Chisti and Terrorist Sarbajeet Singh.
@Rajendra Kalkhande: same way...that Samjhauta Express blast culprits are not yet convicted and Ajmal Kassab has been convicted. Legal system on both side of the borders is same.inefficient....irregular. Did not you read the comment made by a justice while announcing punishment to a DU professor in Delhi Blast Case....it read "....Though there is no solid proof of his involvement, we must hang him to passify the public sentiments..." thats it. And that gentleman is awaiting for gallows in Tihar jail. I am not implying that he is innocent...but just reflecting upon our judicial system. None of us can claim to be HOLIER THAN THOU..no way.
Shame on our Government. They are releasing a terrorist who had admitted his involvement in bomb attacks in Pakistan and we are going to release him. Was his action of bomb attack a human one? Absolutely not. So why we are releasing him because to humanity. Had we forgotten that we previously released an Indian Terrorist who proudly admitted his activities after returning to India? And give a big slap to us.
@Khan: How do you know he was beaten to confess? You are talking the methods of our own indian law enforcement agencies...at least pakistanis learned some lessons from their big brother if your claim is true.
Convicted indian terrorist's release is most unfortunate. He was convicted for his crime of killing fourteen pakistanis in 1991. Why his execution was held in abeyance for twentyone years. Such discretionary powers of President should be rescinded and those found guilty should not be spared gallows. One big question- WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DEATH OF FOURTEEN INNOCENT PAKISTANIS KILLED BY AN INDIAN TERRLRIST ON PAKISTANI SOIL?
@raghavsacchar I agree with your last statement however for the rest of them, I would have to respectfully ask you to check your facts again. 1) Sarabjit has been release because his sentenced was commuted to life which he had already served. 2) Dr. Chishty's case is still in court under appeal so saying that he is a criminal would be unfair as the case is under review with the SC of India and if they thought there was no merit in the case they could have simply rejected it, not granted him bail and then allowed to visit Pakistan. 3) I do agree partly with your 3rd point however don't forget it took 19 year for the session court in Ajmer to give a verdict against Dr. Chishty.
I do think its a good day and we should all be happy rather than discussing our differences.... There would be ample opportunity for that
and btw please dont make lame comparisn with Dr. chisti and terrorist Sarabjeet. Dr. Chisti was involved in domestic crime while Sarabjeet is convicted terrorist and spy
Sarabjit by the police.
Sarabjit by the police.> @Khan: Please have some knowledge
Sarabjit by the police.
Me have some knowledge? What proof do you have that he was innocent crosser?. Just a statement by unnamed witness. There is his own video confession of his involvement in terrorism in Pakistan.
Dr Chishti's was only present at the murder scene and he got arrested because he was a Pakistani. The murder was not an act of terror but a family fued gone bad at his hosts place. On the other hand... Sarabjit was sentenced by the court of law for terrorism... bomb blasts to be exact!
@YA
let me clear some of my points
1.In my personal opinion he will not return back 2.sarabjeet was not a criminal as was chishty 3.court ordered only due to indian govermental appeal after pakistanis asked for his release as you know we have a system that works and co--ordinates unlike some other countries :)
it is good that these things continue but fact is fact
The blood of an Indian National (Sarabjeet Singh) who was involved and convicted by the court in Pakistan in terrorists activities is more costly then the blood of many innocent Pakistanis who died due to subversive activities and number of bomb blasts in Pakistan.
This is the way forward to achieve the goal of "Amn Ki Aasha".
Release of Sarabjeet Singh is by no means a favour to India. It was a Govt-toGovt. deal for Sarabjeet Singh and Dr Chishty. Also releasing Mr. Singh does not reflect that Sayeed Zabiuddin Ansari is singing like a canary.
@raghavsacchar, Let see what the SC of India has to say I think you would agree they are in a better position to comment than NDTV:
Part of the SC judgement: " Taking note of all these aspects particularly his age and academic qualification and this Court has already granted bail and his present stay at Ajmer, we intend to consider his application. Inasmuch as we have posted the appeal for final disposal on 20th November, 2012, we permit him to visit his country, namely, Pakistan and return back to India positively by 1st November, 2012"
You can find the full judgement @ the SC website... Sarabjit has merely benefited from the current situation, and we are happy for him, and I hope this trend continues....
The elected govt is creating frienship between the two countries by these small steps and building confidence and mutual respect. Let us hope the deep state and its touts do not start the war mongering. Let us keep moving in the positive direction and for the betterment and progress of Pakistan. We have been on a policy of hatred (both countries) now give peace and love a chance. This is a must for the progress of Pakistan.
@YA
LOL these cases were in limelight and due to governmental efforts he was sent back.
Source:NDTV
you must know that chisty was a CONVICTED murderer ,in 2010 he was awarded life-imprisonment for murder..
@raghavsacchar - Last time we sent Gopal Das, the first thing he revealed was that he was a RAW agent and was not very happy with how they handled his case. I hope this does not turn out to be the case again. In any case it is a welcome decision, it is insane how our judicial system and politician's have handled this case. Hats off to President Zardari...
Question for all, who are appreciating release of an Indian terrorist!can u umagin Qasab being released by Indian President???? Dr Chishti was involved in murdering his relative on some domestic issue, not convicted on charges of terrorism.Please stop comparing anyone with...whats her name err Dr. Afia. She is NOT 'dukhtar-e-Pakistan' whatever else she may be. She is just a political gimmick.
@ raghavasacchar Dr. Chishty was not pardoned, his case is pending in the SC of India. The reason why the SC allowed him to return to Pakistan which I must say is unprecedented is because they trusted his integrity to return back to India to defend himself...
Please guys, let's not compare this terrorist with Dr. Chishty. There is no comparison between a lifelong struggler and hero (Dr. Chishty) with a convicted terrorist. For the respect of Dr. Chishty, this comparison is an insult.
This Indian raw terrorist should not be freed, on the other hand Dr. Chisti was innocent
An innocent man, no proof ( not even close to concrete proof by Pakistani standards ) presented against him, was held for more than 20 years. Its a shame. However, this decision , may not endear Mr Zardari to the right wing constituency and is a courageous decision by Pakistan standards. So congratulations.
@Pakistani Hindu: The allegations are backed up with evidence. A more relevant question should be what was he doing in Pakistan, not why is he convicted. You need to come out of this mindset of defending terrorists.
I appreciate this effort by Zardari.
He is like childhood person who use to say ... "Lerai Lerai Maaf Kero ... Ghar ki dash saaf kero"... Take whatever meaning you want to take but atleast its good decision for humainity
Good decision by Zardari.
@ All those who think Sarabjeet was involved in Bomb Blasts in Pakistan: I am astonished at the comments. How come Pakistani justice system was so efficient in case of Sarabjeet and could nail him with full confidence ? How come the same Pakistani courts have not been able to convict other Pakistani terrorists who have been killing Pakistanis every other day?
I am not sure exactly what happened in 1990 bombing, not sure if this guy was involved or not. But there is no doubt that ajmal kasab was invovlved in mumbai massacre. I am a Pakistani and I don't believe he should be released. You kill one innocent and you should also die. Kasab was there killing the innocent and every sane Pakistani should demand justice.
@Zaikam: @BaBa Blacksheep: Khalil Chishty for Sarabjeet Singh. Even exchange deal.
Now, Hafiz for Ajmal. Deal can be done in 9 Seconds.
@Someone: What double standards man? The article above says he was punished on mere allegations.. Where does it say that he killed Pakistanis?
@Khan: "The guy mistakenly crossed over". Pardon my ignorance, but how does an Indian "mistakenly cross over" into Lahore? Would like to hear your story.
@ Khan: President's Zardari's unpopularity is his biggest strength. He does not have to concern himself with public opinion. Welcome news, what the judicial system did to this guy was ridiculous. Has been in Jail for 22 years waiting to be hanged, I guess our genius judiciary did not realize that he was suppose to be hanged before completing 1.5 life sentences. I am happy for his family and hope Indians show reciprocity & help move away from 62 years of lunacy....
@Pakistani Hindu: Sarabjit is a terrorist responsible for deaths. Why double standards?
Sarabjeet for Dr Chishty give and take let us hope it extends to other areas .
Ok,now Indians should also release Ajmal Qasab.
@Syed: life imprisonment has different durations with a minimum period of around 12 years in some countries .. He has already spent more than 21 years in prison thus if his life imprisonment is for 21 years then its spent time and free to go. @BaBa Blacksheep: That guy was caught red handed .. on the other hand this guy was beaten up by police to confess to something that most probably he never did. Imagine spending half of your life under the bars without any sin.
Mr president keeps us reminding every now and then what a grave mistake we did by electing PPP.
democracy is the best revenge :)
@BaBa Blacksheep: Ajmal who? Ajmal Qasab? Look! we don't want that terrorist back, okay? Granted, he's a Pakistani, but that just doesn't mean we'd support every Pakistani. I want that terrorist to be sent to gallows as soon as possible.. Indian authorities should/must make an example of him!
Sarabjeet Singh! I hope you must be ashamed of what you have done to the poor and innocent people. We must learn from our mistakes so I hope you will tell your fellows that this conflict is taking us nowhere. And I hope you will deliver a pro India-Pakistan friendship speech on your arrival.
One Good Move by Zardari! appreciated. Please sign an agreement between India & Pakistan not to buy any kind of arms from US, Russia, China, France...
Zardari have to answer for the blood of Pakistanis lost . At that time i was at St. Anthony's and i loosed a school mate , when our Principal's LC Roth announced in the assembly that we lost one our school mate in the bomb blast at Lohari gate. We are weak , why do not we accept this .... its a sin to show yourself a strongest nation . sorry
@Zeta: Please have some knowledge about the case before commenting. The guy mistakenly crossed over and was beaten to confess .. one of the so called witness later on retracted his statement saying he was forced to name Sarabjit by the police.
Pakistan is under extreme pressure from India after the arrest of Abu Jandal.
Respect for the President.!!
President Zardari has been great for Indo-Pak relations, and this move will win the hearts of the average Indian in a way that an MFN status could not. Respect.
I am confused, changed death sentence to life imprisonment yet it also mentions immediate release? I don't know too much about this case but if they are really sure that this guy was involved in those crimes then he really should be punished.
'Let see what they do with Ajmal
Why are we releasing this convicted indian terrorist and spy responsible for 14 deaths in Lahore and Multan? This is outrageous decision.
Mr. President, What About Dr. Afia? Give Shakeel Afridi to USA and demand Dr. Aafia release.