Chidambaram orders release of four Pak prisoners

NEW DELHI: In a goodwill gesture ahead of his visit to Pakistan, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday ordered the release of four Pakistani prisoners lodged in various jails in Gujarat.

"Chidambaram has approved the release of four Pakistani prisoners as a gesture of goodwill. They are currently lodged in various jails in Gujarat," a statement released by the Home Ministry said.

It said the prisoners will be repatriated from the Attari border on June 30 and will be handed over to Pakistan Rangers.

Chidambaram's two-day visit beginning today is the first ministerial visit from India to Pakistan since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

He is expected to press for a probe against LeT founder Hafiz Saeed and seek voice samples of handlers of Mumbai attackers.

Chidambaram, who is visiting Pakistan primarily for the SAARC Interior Minister's Conference on Saturday, is expected to have bilateral meeting with Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik.