Sarabjit's family perform thanksgiving prayers for his month-long reprieve

Bhikhiwind, Mar.19 Members of Sarabjit Singh's family today performed a thanksgiving prayer after the Indian detenu's hanging in a Pakistan jail was postponed to April 30 by the Pakistan Government.

Family members said that the deferring of the death sentence suggested a glimmer of hope, though uncertainty still looms large over Sarabjit's future.

Calling on the Indian Government to intensify the "Save Sarabjit" campaign, his family said they were determined to ensure his return from Pakistan.

"When everybody at helm of affairs in our country is working for the release of my Papa, I can hope to see him back with me" said Swapandeep Kaur, Sarabjit's eldest daughter, told ANI on Wednesday.

Sukhpreet Kaur, his wife, said: "I think God is listening to the prayers of lakhs of Indians who want to see Sarabjit back in India alive."

The family went to the local gurdwara to pray for Sarabjit's early release and also distributed sweets in their house.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee 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.

Pakistani human rights activist Asma Jahangir, who is currently on a visit to Delhi, 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