Pak: Sarabjit's health deteriorates, family meets him in hospital

Lahore: Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh's family finally got a chance to visit him in the hospital in Pakistan, but the news is grim. Sarabjit's condition is deteriorating even as India pushes for him to get medical treatment back home.

India on Monday appealed to Pakistan to facilitate the return of prisoner Sarabjit Singh who was attacked by his jail inmates on Friday afternoon. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "In view of the recent tragic events and present circumstances, we once again appeal to the Government of Pakistan to take a sympathetic and humanitarian view of this case, and release Sarabjit Singh." India also demanded that Sarabjit's attackers be punished and a thorough probe be conducted.

There hasn't been any improvement in Sarabjit's condition ever since he was hospitalised. He continues to be in coma at the Jinnah Hospital in Lahore.

Meanwhile, a medical panel set up by the Pakistan government on Monday ruled out his transfer to India saying that it would be difficult to move him considering the severe head injuries he has received. "Sarabjeet will continue to receive treatment in Pakistan," the panel said.

The government has come under attack from the Opposition over Sarabjit Singh's safety. CPI leader D Raja said, "The government should issue a statement stating how it is taking care of his health and what talks are being held with Pakistan."

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "The government did not take steps to ensure Sarabjit's safety. The immediate concern is that he must be given proper medical treatment."

His family, who is by his side, has been asking the Indian government to bring him back home for treatment after he was brutally attacked in jail. While that may or may not happen, Pakistan has relented and given consular access to him. On Sunday, his family members met him at the hospital and Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur said he was in an extremely tragic condition. "His stomach was bloated. His face was swollen up. He was beaten up so badly," she told CNN-IBN after her visit.