KOCHI: The repatriation of Pakistan national Abdul Qadir is being delayed owing to the lack of response from the Pakistan High Commission, stated a report filed by the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) before the NIA Court in Kochi.Abdul Qadir, a fisherman from Balochistan province of Pakistan, was a crew member of the Iranian fishing vessel intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard off Alappuzha coast in July, 2015. Ever since the incident, Qadir has been languishing in prison in the state, despite being given a clean chit by the NIA last year.
The FRRO report stated the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs had on two occasions approached the Pakistan High Commission to complete the repatriation procedures.
“Abdul Qadir was taken to New Delhi in 2016 as part of verifying his identity. Though the verification procedure was completed, there was no further response. The procedures could not be completed as the Pakistan High Commission has not issued temporary travel documents to facilitate his travel back home,” the report stated.
In March 2016, Qadir and the 11 Iranians were absolved of the charges. While the Iranians were repatriated within a week, Qadir was made to languish in the jail for no fault of his own. The Embassy of Iran had issued emergency travel documents for their citizen.Qadir is currently staying at the Viyyur Central Prison as detenu.
According to a document, Qadir belongs to Jeevani village, Bstivan, Baluchistan. However, another document stated belonged to Jan Mohammed Kaloi Village, Sanghar District, Sindh province. “Though he is lodged in Viyyur jail, he is not a prisoner there. Qadir is not permitted to go outside, but he is free inside the jail. He actively takes part in the jail activities, including bringing jail products,” a jail officer said.
Recently, Qadir had filed a petition requesting the court to direct agencies to expedite the repatriation procedures. The NIA had filed a report stating FRRO is the custodian of Qadir. Following this, the court sought a report from FRRO.Iranian-flagged fishing dhow Barooki with 12 crew members was intercepted off Kerala Coast. Initially, it was suspected the gang was smuggling drugs to India.
Long wait
The Ministry of External Affairs had on two occasions approached the Pakistan High Commission to complete the repatriation procedures