Dr Khalil Chisti finally lands in Pakistan

Virologist Dr Mohammed Khalil Chishti has landed in Islamabad from India after spending 20 years in jail, indicating a symbol of hope for the hundreds of prisoners languishing on both sides of the border indefinitely.

Rather it was a historic day for Indo-Pak relations and scenes of jubilation were witnessed at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport. A special plane was sent by President Asif Ali Zardari to bring back the old scientist, who spent two decades in the Indian jails.

Although he is not completely free but he will remain in the country until his next hearing scheduled on November 01, 2012. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Port and Shipping Minister Babar Ghauri welcomed him at the airport.

President Asif Ali Zardari had discussed Dr Chishty’s case with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his recent visit to Ajmer.

The virologist was recently released from Ajmer Jail after being sentenced to a life imprisonment term in a murder case. Later, the India Supreme Court granted him bail on April 9, allowing him to visit Pakistan for a temporary tour on May 10, 2012.

While talking to the media Dr Chishti observed, “I am happy that I am going to my homeland to meet my family and friends. I would like to offer a thanksgiving prayer as soon as I reach the airport and then I will go to my home”.

In quite an anxious state of mind, his daughter Farah while talking to the media observed, “It is a miracle. We have been waiting since morning for his return and now we will spend the whole night waiting for his arrival tomorrow. We have made his favorite food”.

According to him, Dr Chishti was visiting his ailing mother in Ajmer in 1992 when he got embroiled into a family feud that led to the death of one of his relatives.

He has been in Ajmer since, locked up at his ancestral home for eighteen years before being jailed following his conviction in January last year.

He said that he would go to Lahore to meet Sarabjit Singh, an Indian national facing a death sentence on charges of involvement in bomb blasts in Pakistan and languishing in prison in Lahore for the last 22 years.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=22434

Posted by Faisal Farooq on May 16 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.