13 Indians have died in Pakistan jails since 2013: Government

NEW DELHI: Thirteen Indians have died in Pakistani jails in the last nearly three-and-a-half-years including Kirpal Singh, who died recently in a Lahore jail, prompting India to seek a thorough investigation into it.

Replying to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India has also reiterated to the Pakistan government that it is their responsibility to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails.

"As per the information available in our missions/posts abroad, 49 Indians died in prisons in various countries during the last three years and the current year. This includes 13 Indians who died in Pakistani jails during this period," Singh said.

He also said the government has taken up the matter of the death of Kirpal Singh with the Pakistan Foreign Ministry, requesting that a through investigation be undertaken in order to ascertain the reasons for his death and that the probe report be shared with Indian authorities.

The Pakistan government had conveyed that Singh had died of a heart attack, Singh added.