Punjab High Court Steps In: List of Pakistani Prisoners Sought for Repatriation

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a significant step towards expediting the repatriation of Pakistani nationals who have completed their sentences in Punjab jails. The order comes in response to a suo motu (on its own motion) plea initiated last month after a High Court judge discovered the case of two Pakistani juveniles detained in a Faridkot observation home.

The two-judge bench, led by Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, has directed authorities to provide a comprehensive list of all Pakistani nationals currently languishing in Punjab jails despite completing their sentences. This list, requested by March 18th, will serve as a crucial step in facilitating their return to Pakistan.

In a positive development regarding the juveniles, the Punjab government informed the court that three Pakistani children are residing in observation homes. The addresses of two have been verified, and their extradition process is underway. Efforts are ongoing to verify the address of the third child.

The court’s intervention is particularly noteworthy in light of the government’s confirmation that they have no objection to the repatriation of the two identified juveniles, subject to approval from the Indian government.

This move by the High Court paves the way for a swifter resolution for Pakistani nationals who have undeservedly extended their stay in Punjab jails. The directive ensures a swifter and more streamlined process for repatriation, upholding humanitarian considerations.