Pakistani student beaten up in Indian university arrives in Lahore

Speaking to the media at Allama Iqbal International Airport, he expresses delight at landing in Lahore by himself.

LAHORE: Pakistani student Ali Hassan Raza, who was assaulted in the southern Indian state of Pondicherry earlier this week, reached Lahore on Saturday, Express News reported.

The 24-year-old was received by family and relatives upon arrival. Speaking to the media at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, he expressed delight at landing in Lahore by himself.

Raza, an international relations student, was sleeping in his hostel room when three unidentified men entered his room and attacked him with steel rods on May 13.

The attackers left when nearby students arrived to rescue him.

With injuries on his head, neck and back, Raza underwent treatment at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) after the attack.

Raza, the first and only Pakistani at Pondicherry University had earlier emphasised that he was never discriminated on the basis of his religion or nationality during his two-year stay in India.

Following the incident, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Abdul Basit had also spoken to Raza and his family, assuring them that steps would be taken to ensure his safe return.

The official had also disclosed that the high commission had raised the issue with the Indian External Affairs Ministry and demanded that the culprits be brought to justice.

A senior diplomat posted in New Delhi had told The Express Tribune via phone that the Pakistani High Commission had arranged Ali’s return to the country.