Date:17/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/17/stories/2008031757270100.htm

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“Sarabjit to be hanged on April 1”

LAHORE: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has rejected the plea for mercy of Sarabjit Singh of India, convicted in Pakistan for spying and for carrying out bomb explosions, and he will be hanged on April 1, a senior prison officer said in Lahore on Sunday.

The retired General Musharraf turned down Sarabjit’s petition for clemency on March 4, according to Javed Latif, Superintendent of Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat prison.

“We have his death warrant and the execution will take place on April 1,” he told Reuters.

Human Rights Minister Ansar Burney said he would appeal to the retired General Musharraf on Monday for a reprieve to Sarabjit and added that he “would do his best to save his life if he is innocent.” Mr. Burney had facilitated the release of Kashmir Singh, who was languishing in Pakistani jails for 35 years.

The warrant against Sarabjit was served days after the body of Pakistani national Khalid Mehmood, who died while in custody in India, was handed over to authorities in this country. Pakistan had expressed “deep shock and anger” at the death of Mehmood in what it termed “mysterious circumstances.” — Reuters, PTI