Pakistan-India Judicial Committee on Prisoners meet Qureshi

Islamabad, Aug 16 (UNI) Pakistani members of Pakistan-India Judicial Committee met Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi today and briefed him on their work to secure early release of prisoners.

The Committee on prisoners comprising eminent Judges from both the countries was established in January 2007.

It held its first meeting in February 2008 in New Delhi and visited Indian prisoners in Pakistan in June.

The Committee recommended steps for humane treatment and expeditious release of those prisoners, who have completed their sentences.

''The Committee will now visit Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails in Amritsar, Jaipur and New Delhi from August 18-23, 2008,'' foreign office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said here.

The Committee comprises of retired Judges Fazal Karim, Mian Muhammad Ajmal, Abdul Qadeer Chaudhry and Nasir Aslam Zahid.

The Foreign Minister commended the work done by the Judicial Committee and said this was a humanitarian issue and his government would extend full support to the Committee.

He added that the government will fully implement the Consular Access Agreement signed between Pakistan and India in May 2008 as well as the recommendations of the Judicial Committee.

Pakistan released 34 juvenile fishermen and one civil prisoner on 15th August 2008, Mr Qureshi said while briefing Judges about the steps taken by the government to facilitate the Committee's work.

He added that Pakistan provided comprehensive list (with details) of all Indian prisoners to the Indian side, while all Indian fishermen in Pakistan have been provided Consular Access.

''Special consideration, on compassionate and humanitarian basis, is being accorded to women, juvenile and disabled prisoners for their repatriation,'' he said.

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