Pakistan has delayed the execution of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh until further orders.  Lahore jail superintendent, Malik Mubashir Ahmad Khan, gave this information on Friday May 3, 2008. Sarabjit is said to be involved in a bomb blast which rocked Lahore and Multan in 1990 killing 14 people. Sarabjit was to be hanged on April 1, 2008 but following a mercy petition of the Indian government his execution was delayed until April 30.

 

Sarabjit's family has been constantly saying that he is innocent and had crossed into the Pakistani territory by mistake. Ansar Burney, former Human Rights Minister in Pakistan had said earlier that he has proofs which show that Sarabjit was not involved in the bomb blasts and has been falsely accused in the case.

 

The stay order of Sarabjit's execution was received by the jail authorities on Friday. Recently Sarabjit was visited by his family who asked clemency for the prisoner. Meanwhile Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma, said that the Indian government is yet to receive the confirmation of the news report and will be relieved if such a decision has been made. India has asked Pakistan to forgive Sarabjit on humanitarian grounds.