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Pak arrests prisoners released by India

It was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire for 43 Pakistani prisoners who were released by India last month but were taken prisoners again as they crossed the Wagah border into their own country.

As they reached the Wagah check-post, a van took them to Kot Lakhpat central jail for interrogation. Jail authorities told their relatives, who had been excitedly waiting for them, that the prisoners would have to undergo fresh verification which would take time.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan is, however, not convinced with this reasoning. According to it, the antecedents of these prisoners had been verified more than once by the departments and agencies concerned and therefore there is no justification in interrogating them again.

HRCP's prisoners project coordinator Rao Abid Hamid wrote a letter to Interior Minister Shujat Hussain pleading him to intervene.

Under an agreement with Pakistan last month, India had released 43 Pakistani prisoners while that country returned 14 Indian prisoners.

UNI

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