Pakistani woman seeks son's release from Indian jail

Islamabad, June 20 (IANS) A Pakistani woman has appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to help her secure the release of her son who has been languishing in a jail in India since 1996.

Amjad Ali Mughal went to New Delhi to sell steel items in 1993 with a valid Pakistani passport and Indian visa, but the Indian authorities arrested and later convicted him on terror charges, the News International reported.

Mughal's mother Hameeda Begum and brother Nadeem, residents of Lahore, said Mughal was convicted in September 1996 and sentenced to life in prison -- up to 14 years in jail according to Indian law.

She said her son completed his life term around four years ago, as the Indian authorities granted him three years' remission in imprisonment because of his good behaviour.

But Mughal has not been released and is yet to return to his country, Hameeda said.

The family has urged the interior ministry to take up the case with the Indian authorities at some appropriate level to ensure his early release.

The report, however, did not mention where the man was arrested and in which jail he is currently lodged.