Zardari commutes Sarabjit’s death sentence

PTI Updated - June 26, 2012 at 08:09 PM.

The Pakistan President Mr Asif Ali Zardari has commuted Indian death row prisoner Mr Sarabjit Singh’s sentence to life imprisonment, paving the way for his release in the next few days, official sources today said.

He directed authorities to release him if he has completed his prison term, the sources said.

Following the summary or official proposal issued by the presidency, the Law Minister Mr Farooq Naek today asked the Interior Ministry to take steps to “immediately” release Mr Sarabjit as he had completed a life term, the sources told PTI.

Mr Sarabjit, 49, could be released in the next few days after the Interior Ministry and the Home Department of Punjab complete necessary formalities, the sources said.

Mr Sarabjit is currently being held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore and has been on death row for over 20 years.

Published on June 26, 2012 14:39