Zardari commutes Sarabjit's death sentence; likely to be freed

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Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has commuted Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh's sentence to life imprisonment, paving the way for his release in the next few days, official sources on Tuesday said.

He directed authorities to release him if he has completed his prison term, the sources said.

Following the summary or official proposal issued by the presidency, Law Minister Farooq Naek on Tuesday asked the Interior Ministry to take steps to 'immediately' release Sarabjit as he had completed a life term, the sources told.

Sarabjit, 49, could be released in the next few days after the Interior Ministry and the Home Department of Punjab complete necessary formalities, the sources said.

Sarabjit is currently being held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore and has been on death row for over 20 years.