On April 3, 2012, Awais Sheikh met another Indian prisoner whose case he has taken on, Sarabjit Singh, initially arrested in 1990 for illegally entering Pakistan. However, he was later implicated in bomb blasts reportedly carried out by one Manjeet Singh and sentenced in 1991 as Manjeet Singh.
Amnesty International has appealed for Sarabjit Singh to be released as his conviction is based on a case of mistaken identity.
Gen. Pervez Musharraf confirmed his death sentence and rejected the mercy petition filed by his lawyer. His execution was set for 30 April 2008 but was indefinitely deferred after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani intervened.
However, it has yet to be formally commuted to life imprisonment. Also, given that Sarabjit Singh has already spent over twenty years behind bars, even if guilty, he has been punished enough and should be released in humanity’s name and for the sake of peace in the region, say activists.
“Sarabjit Singh was in good health. We embraced each other as usual,” writes Awais Sheikh, who was only appointed as Singh’s counsel a few years ago.
The difficulties of cross-border prisoners are compounded by their families’ lack of access to them. At this meeting, Awais Sheikh gave Sarabjit Singh Rs.3000/- to be delivered to another prisoner Kirpal Singh lodged next to his barracks – the prisoner’s brother in India had given the money to Awais Sheikh during his recent visit to Amritsar.
He also delivered Sarabjit’s family’s messages and two pictures of his daughter Poonam received via email.”I told him that India Pakistan relations are improving. President Zardari will visit India on 8th April and Indian Prime Minister is also expected to reciprocate his visit. It will create an atmosphere conducive for peace and will bring two nations more closer. This will pave way for his release. Be hopeful for your release in this year.
“He asked me about the construction/repair of his house. Sarabjit was curious to know about the release of Karale Bhanudas. I explained the latest position of this case.
Sarabjit has a very kind heart. He always likes to know the welfare and wellbeing of his fellow prisoners,” writes Awais Sheikh. “I told him that High Court has already issued the orders for release of 33 Indians but so far it has not been implemented. Only one prisoner Satinder Paul has been released. I told him that contempt of court application has been filed in the High Court. This is bureaucracy, which is in the habit of going slow. They will have to comply with the orders of higher courts.”
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