Pakistan to release four Indian prisoners

Dil Bagh Singh, Sunil and two other Indians have completed their terms but are still being held in jail.

Four Indian prisoners, languishing in different Pakistani jails on charges of “illegal stay”, are set to be freed after a federal review board ordered their release.

Dil Bagh Singh, Sunil and two other Indians have completed their terms but are still being held in jail.

An Interior Ministry official on Tuesday informed the review board comprising two judges of the Supreme Court that the government is taking steps to repatriate the prisoners who had completed their sentences.

“Verification of nationality is required for the release of the foreign prisoners. And the process is underway,” the official said.

It could not immediately be ascertained when the Indians would be released.

Meanwhile, a provincial review board comprising three judges of the Lahore High Court turned down the Punjab government’s request to extend the detention period of a prime suspect involved in the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.

Police on Tuesday produced Zubair alias Naik Muhammad before the review board and sought a month’s extension in his detention. Police were of the view that his release could pose a threat to law and order in Punjab.

The detainee’s counsel opposed the government’s request, saying the allegations against his client were baseless.

After hearing both sides, the board declined the government’s request to extend the detention.