Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Friday described as unfortunate the death of Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah Ranjay following an assault in India and called for mechanisms between the two countries to address the issue of prisoners.
"Both Pakistan and India should ensure timely and effective implementation of established mechanisms between our two countries to address the issue of prisoners, which is a humanitarian one and should be addressed in that manner," Khoso said in a statement. "I would like to reiterate to the Prime Minister of India that the serious matter of ensuring safety and security of Pakistani prisoners be addressed in a humane spirit and steps taken so that such brutal atrocities do not recur," he said.
Ranjay, who was serving a life sentence after being convicted of involvement in terrorism, was assaulted by another prisoner at Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu on May 3. He died in hospital of multi-organ failure.
Ranjay was assaulted a day after Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh died in a Lahore hospital following an attack by prisoners in Kot Lakhpat Jail. Khoso described Ranjay`s death as "tragic and most unfortunate".
As a gesture of support, he said financial aid of Rs 10 lakhs would be provided to Ranjay`s family.
The government of Punjab province would provide a job to Ranjay`s elder son and pay for the education of his younger son.
The provincial government will also pay Rs 500,000 and provide a house to his family.
PTI