"Save Sarabjit" movement intensifies

Wagah/Amritsar, Aug.14 (ANI): To give a fillip to the "Save Sarabjit" movement, eminent film maker Mahesh Bhatt on Friday said that there is a tremendous need to build a pressure group to save Sarabjit from the death sentence that has been handed down to him by Pakistan's Supreme Court.

He was addressing a press conference at Amritsar along with Awais Sheikh, Pakistani advocate of Sarabjit Singh.

Bhatt said: "when Dalbir Kaur, sister of Sarbjit tied Rakhis on his wrist, I promised her to help her in this case up to end".

He further said: "I have met many human right activists regarding this issue and would assist Advocate Sheikh Sahib wherever required."

Answering a query whether he would make a movie on Sarabjit, Bhatt said: "Let Sarabjit be released from the jail, you will see a renowned director would come and make a film on him".

Awais Sheikh, who has been fighting the case of Sarabjit in Pakistan, told ANI that he has already filed a mercy petition in the Lahore bench of the Pakistan Supreme Court. He also said that another mercy petition would be forwarded to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari.

Sarabjit who has been languishing in Pakistani jails for 19 years has been fighting through his lawyers for his release. His family in India too has been vigorously campaigning for his release.

Sheikh said that Article 45 of the Pakistan Constitution empowers the president to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal or other authority.

Sital Kaler, case coordinator, said that through the help of the South Asian Human Rights Group of Canada, they would provide financial assistance to fight this case in Pakistan.

Last week, Bhatt went to Pakistan to meet some prominent social activists, who are fighting against Sarabjit Singh's death sentence.

Mahesh said, "I was in Karachi for two days. I met a lot of people related to this cause. Sarabjit has already served over 19 years in jail. I think the death sentence should be waived."

"I hope my presence in Pakistan helps Sarabjit and his family. Now, I am in Amritsar to meet Sarabjit's lawyer Sheikh from Pakistan. Dalbir, Sheikh and I will think about what has to be done regarding this issue," said Bhatt.

Sarabjit was arrested near the Kasur border in Pakistan in August 1990. He is now in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail. By Ravinder Singh Robin(ANI)