Sarabjit's execution postponed: External Affairs Minister

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has stayed the execution of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh till April 30, External Afairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today informed Parliament.

The External Affairs Minister's statement in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha was welcomed by the members from all political parties by thumping of the desks.

Mr Mukherjee said that the Government has just received a communication from the Indian Embassy in Islamabad regarding this decision.

''Efforts are still on the release and return of the Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh,'' he asserted.

Welcoming the announcement, leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Jaswant Singh said expressed relief over that the execution has been deferred. He said that though the execution has just be delayed by a month, it has given the time to make renewed efforts to get the execution canceled.

He comended both the External Affairs Minister and the Government in Islamabad for this humanitarian gesture.

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