17 Pak prisoners return home

As many as 17 Pakistani prisoners,released by India on Friday,crossed the border through the Attari Border check post. After serving the jail terms for crimes,including crossing the fence illegally and overstaying in the country,they were happy to be united with their families. Many of them had been in jails even after completion of their sentence. Officials said their repatriation was delayed as it took time to get clearance of their credentials by Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.“I was sentenced to eight years in jail,but due to the delays I had to remain in prison for five more years,” said Zaffar,who was arrested for smuggling narcotics into India.

Another prisoner,Kamal Khan had sneaked into India but was arrested soon after,without valid travel documents,by the Border Security Force.