ISLAMABAD, 2 December 2020, (TON): The counsel for the Indian High Commission informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday that Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia was concerned about the detention of Indian national convicted of espionage, Ismail, even after the latter had served out his term.

Appearing before the IHC larger bench, the counsel for the Indian High Commission, Barrister Shahnawaz Noon, apprised the court about the latest situation.

Barrister Noon informed the IHC larger bench comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb that India was concerned with regard to the prolonged detention of India spy Ismail after completion of his sentence.

Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan apprised the court that the matter had already been taken up with the Interior Ministry. Since this too was related to the breach of Official Secret Act, the ministry has sought some time to respond, he explained.

Justice Minallah observed that there was no need to detain a prisoner after completion of sentence. “The court would pass an appropriate order by next date if the matter remains unresolved,” he remarked.

The IHC bench sought a report from the attorney general by the next date of hearing on 14 January 2020.