Pakistan seeks explanation from India over Pak prisoner's 'killing'

The Foreign Office has summoned Indian Charge d’Affaires and lodge its strong protest over the reported killing of a Pakistani prisoner in Occupied Kashmir, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

According to a statement, FO Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said Islamabad sought an explanation from Delhi on the reported "killing" of Zia Mustafa – who had been in Indian custody since 2003 on terrorism charges.

The official added that the Indian envoy was told the reported killing under mysterious circumstances at a location away from the prison where he was interned, was not only intriguing but also raised serious questions about the well-being, safety and security of Pakistani prisoners in India

"Regrettably, this is not the first such incident. In the past as well, Pakistani civilian prisoners in India have been found dead under inexplicable circumstances. Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of the dastardly Indian practice of extra-judicial killing of Pakistani and Kashmiri prisoners in fake encounters," the FO statement said.

The spokesman said the Indian government was told to "urgently authenticate" this particular incident, undertake a credible and transparent investigation, ensure justice, and hold the perpetrators accountable.

"The Indian government was further reminded to fulfil its obligations to ensure the safety, security and humane treatment of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails/detention centres pending their release or repatriation," the FO spokesman said.