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Sarabjit to get consular access on Tuesday
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August 29, 2005 17:17 IST
Last Updated: August 29, 2005 21:04 IST

Pakistan announced on Monday that it would provide consular access on Tuesday to Sarabjit Singh, sentenced to death for his alleged involvement in bomb blasts in Lahore [Images] and Multan.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Naeem Khan told reporters in Islamabad that Singh, lodged in the high security Kot Lakhpat jail in Punjab province, would be given consular access at 11:30 IST. Two officials from the Indian High Commission would be permitted to meet him.

Pakistan grants consular access to Sarabjit

The Indian officials would inquire about his health and his assessment of the trial process to the Indian government.

Action on his case, including chalking out further strategy for his release, would be worked out after confirmation of his national status and other details from him, Indian High Commission officials said.

Asked whether Sarabjit was regarded as a terrorist, the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman said since Sarabjit was convicted for acts of terror, he was a terrorist.

Don't hang Sarabjit: Pakistan leader

"As Sarabjit was sentenced by different courts, including the Supreme Court, for acts of causing bomb blasts in Lahore, Multan and Kasur in which many people were killed, Pakistan considered him as a terrorist," he said.

Khan, however, declined to react to the UJC statement asking Pakistan not to grant mercy to Singh unless India released Mohammad Afzal, sentenced to death for the attack on Indian Parliament.

Meanwhile, Sarabjit's lawyer, Rana Abdul Hameed told PTI from Lahore that he would be filing a review petition after receiving a detailed judgement from the Supreme Court.

So far a short order had been issued which would be conveyed on Tuesday and a review petition would be filed after receiving a detailed order, which may take some time, Hamid said.

If Sarabjit's nationality is confirmed, the Indian government is expected to engage a panel of lawyers to back Hamid, provided the Pakistan Supreme Court admitted the review petition.

If Sarabjit looses the case, then a mercy petition from him would be filed before President Pervez Musharraf [Images], seeking clemency.


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