Safe passage: Sweden grants asylum to Sarabjit’s attorney
Awais Sheikh says he moved to Stockholm after life threats.
“Life back home was constantly under threat after my kidnapping and torture,” says Awais Sheikh. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE:
The counsel for Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh, who was murdered in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail by fellow inmates on April 26, 2013, has been granted asylum in Sweden along with his family, The Express Tribune learnt on Monday.
Awais Sheikh told The Express Tribune in a telephone interview that he is permanently residing in Sweden now. Earlier he went underground and spent most of the time in Dubai after he and his son were abducted and then released on April 25, said Sheikh. “A few days back I moved to Sweden after being granted asylum there.”
“Life back home was constantly under threat after my kidnapping and torture,” said Sheikh. Remembering his hardships while pursuing cases of Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails, he said, “There were many shady moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested but I did not give up myself to despair.”
He extended his sympathies and condolences to the family of Singh on his unfortunate demise. Shaikh said this is most unfortunate that both countries have detained prisoner of wars (POWs) of 1971, but deny their presence in custody. This is war crime. Such prisoners are to be treated as prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions and to be afforded the protection and rights stipulated under the treaties, he said.
Sheikh thanked United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for taking notice of his abduction and physical torture, and helping him in taking refuge. He also expressed gratitude to the Swedish government for granting him permanent stay, along with family, and also for “providing all facilities and safeguards.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2013.
The counsel for Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh, who was murdered in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail by fellow inmates on April 26, 2013, has been granted asylum in Sweden along with his family, The Express Tribune learnt on Monday.
Awais Sheikh told The Express Tribune in a telephone interview that he is permanently residing in Sweden now. Earlier he went underground and spent most of the time in Dubai after he and his son were abducted and then released on April 25, said Sheikh. “A few days back I moved to Sweden after being granted asylum there.”
“Life back home was constantly under threat after my kidnapping and torture,” said Sheikh. Remembering his hardships while pursuing cases of Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails, he said, “There were many shady moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested but I did not give up myself to despair.”
He extended his sympathies and condolences to the family of Singh on his unfortunate demise. Shaikh said this is most unfortunate that both countries have detained prisoner of wars (POWs) of 1971, but deny their presence in custody. This is war crime. Such prisoners are to be treated as prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions and to be afforded the protection and rights stipulated under the treaties, he said.
Sheikh thanked United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for taking notice of his abduction and physical torture, and helping him in taking refuge. He also expressed gratitude to the Swedish government for granting him permanent stay, along with family, and also for “providing all facilities and safeguards.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2013.