Afghanistan may release Faizullah soon

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 17 July 2014

Pakistani journalist Faizullah Khan may be released from Afghan prison soon. His conviction has sparked protests among journalist bodies in Pakistan.

Summary

KARACHI: A Pakistani journalist jailed in Afghanistan for entering illegally into that country could return home before Eid, media reports said Thursday.

Efforts had been on to secure the release of Faizullah Khan who represents ARY News.

Reports say the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan has said that President Hamid Karzai had decided to pardon Faizullah. Faizullah was detained by Afghan authorities in April after he mistakenly entered the country. A court sentenced him to four years in prison for travelling with valid documents.

Journalists bodies in Pakistan have been protesting Faizullah's conviction. One such protest took place in front of the National Press Club, Islamabad. A large number of journalists were present, among them prominent anchor Hamid Mir.

KEY POINTS:

• Faizullah Khan could return to Pakistan before Eid.
• He was sentenced to four years for illegal entry into Afghanistan.
• Protests have been held in Pakistan against his conviction.
• The Afghan ambassador stated that President Hamid Karzai plans to pardon him.
• Faizullah represents ARY News and was detained in April.