Ajmal Kasab's execution will not affect Sarabjit's release: Advocate

JALANDHAR: The execution of 26/11 terror attack convict Ajmal Kasab will not affect the ongoing trial of Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan, his advocate Awais Sheikh has said.

"Sarabjit and Kasab's cases are different. Kasab's case was related to terrorism in which many were killed. Whereas Sarabjit's case is one of mistaken identity," Sheikh told PTI.

"Pakistan has officially accepted in court that Kasab was a Pakistani national. Kasab was responsible for the killing of many people in the Mumbai terror attack," he added.

"Sarabjit's case if one of mistaken identity. The most important point in this case is that he has spent 22 years in prison. I hope the President will consider Sarabjit's mercy petition and he will be released soon."

After the execution of Ajmal Kasab, Pakistani cricketer- turned-politician Imran Khan's party Tehreek-e-Insaf had demanded for Sarabjit's execution. However, the Pakistan government had said that Sarabjit's case will not be viewed in terms of Kasab's execution.

Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur said, "I want to thank Pakistani officials on behalf of my countrymen...Awais Sheikh met Sarabjit on November 11. I have full faith that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will hear my plea and definitely release Sarabjit."

Sarabjit is on death row for the last 20 years following his conviction for alleged involvement in a series of bombings in Pakistan in 1990.