British girl to stay in Pakistan as custody case ends

ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (Reuters) A custody row over a British schoolgirl who wanted to stay in Pakistan ended today after her mother agreed to let her stay in Pakistan.

Twelve-year-old Misbah Irum Rana, known as Molly Campbell in British, sparked legal battles in Britain as well as Pakistan after she left her mother in the Western Isles of Scotland and travelled to Pakistani city of Lahore to be with her father last summer.

''The matter is over for all time to come, at all courts,'' Abdul Qayyum, the lawyer of Misbah's father, Sajad Ahmed Rana, told reporters after a hearing in country's Supreme Court.

''The compromise is that all cases by all parties will be withdrawn.'' Under the deal, the mother, Louise Campbell could visit her daughter and two sons living with their father in Pakistan any time.

Rana also assured the court that he would allow Misbah to visit Scotland whenever she wanted, though the girl said she had no desire to return.

''I don't want to go,'' Misbah told the court, while standing next to her father.

Lahore High Court had awarded custody of the girl to Campbell last November, but Rana appealed that ruling.

The mother has not come to Pakistan for any hearing due to ill health and financial problems.

REUTERS SHB VV1944