Pakistan concerned over death of 2 of its prisoners in India

Islamabad, Jun 13 (UNI) Pakistan today expressed deep concern over treatment of Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails.

''The issue has been under focus of the Government at all levels and has been raised at the highest levels with the Indian side,'' foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said here.

He was commenting on arrival of two dead bodies of Pakistani prisoners from India today.

Earlier this year, Khalid Mehmood and Muhammad Akram died in Indian prisons. The dead bodies of two more Pakistani prisoners Rashida Bibi and Abdul Alim arrived at Wagah border today from India.

''We have called upon the Indian authorities to thoroughly investigate the causes leading to the deaths of these unfortunate Pakistani prisoners held in India,'' Mr Sadiq said, adding ''we have also asked the Indian government to ensure humane treatment of Pakistani prisoners held in their jails.

He said India should also furnish updated information on Pakistani prisoners, provide consular access to them and ensure early repatriation of those prisoners who have completed their sentences.

''These demands are well within the international human rights norms and have been agreed by the two governments in the recently signed Consular Access Agreement,'' he added.

Mr Sadiq hoped that the Pakistan-India Judicial Committee on Prisoners will take cognizance of the matter during its forthcoming visit to India for meeting Pakistani prisoners held in India.

UNI XC PD HS1835