India-Pak prisoners must be freed, says Khalil Chishty's brother

Ajmer, Apr 11 (ANI): Jamil Chishty, the brother of Pakistani scientist Dr Khalil Chishty who has spent many years at Ajmer Central Jail in connection with a murder case, on Wednesday said India-Pakistan prisoners must be freed.

"My brother (Dr Khalil) fought long battle for freedom in which civil society helped. Similarly India-Pak prisoners must be freed," he said.

"It will make the relations strong between both the nations. It would send the message of peace to both the nations. I want same treatment with many other people. I pray for other Indians also those are in the Pakistan jail," he added.

Jamil also said that his brother's health was in a frail state.

"My brother got some relief after a long battle. We will be able to take care of his health properly at home," he added.

Dr Chishty is likely to walk out of jail today. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday. The apex court order for Dr Chishty's bail has reached Ajmer, but will first have to be presented in the Ajmer sessions court.

The apex court had also agreed to hear his plea to return to Karachi and has asked his lawyers to file a separate petition for this.

Dr Chishty is 80 now, and is unable to walk unaided. He has to be carried to and from jail by two people.

He is accused of killing a man during a brawl in Ajmer in April 1992. He was visiting the Rajasthan city then to offer prayers at the famous shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty.

In June, 2011, Justice Markandey Katju of the Supreme Court appealed to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to release Chishty on humanitarian grounds.

In an email sent to the Prime Minister Justice Katju said he was making this appeal, not as a judge but as a human being, for the release of Dr. Khalil Chishty, who is old and infirm, under Article 72 of the Constitution.

Acting on Justice Katju's appeal, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved his mercy plea and sent it to Governor Shivraj Patil for final clearance. After that, Patil sent a questionnaire to the law department on various issues concerning the case. (ANI)