Mukherjee confirms deferment of Sarabjit's execution till April 30

New Delhi, Mar.19 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday confirmed that Pakistan death row inmate Sarabjit Singh's execution has been deferred by a month, with the new date of execution set at April 30 this year.

"Government of India is continuing its efforts to save the life of Sarabjit Singh. We have achieved partial success and we will continue to carry on our efforts," Mukherjee told the House.

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistani human rights activist Asma Jahangir said that people at the 'high levels' are working hard to secure a reprieve for Sarabjit Singh.

Singh has been on death row since Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected his petition for mercy in March 2006. He has been accused of having played a major role in serial blasts across Pakistan, which claimed at least 14 lives in 1991.

He has been languishing in a Pakistani jail for 17 years.

Pakistan has admitted to receiving India's request for clemency for Sarabjit Singh.

On Tuesday, India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee reiterated the Prime Minister's assurance on the man Pakistan calls a spy.

Sarabjit was to be earlier hanged on April 1.

ANI