Chandigarh, May 7
Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah’s brother-in-law and nephew crossed over into India via the Wagah-Attari border on Tuesday and visited him at PGIMER even as his condition took a turn for the worse.

Sanaullah’s brother-in-law Mohammad Shahzaad (28) and nephew Mohammad Asif (18) reached PGIMER around 4.30 pm and were received by representatives of the Pakistan High Commission, who have been in the city since Saturday.

An overwhelmed Shahzaad said all they wanted was to take Sanaullah home. “We are victims of differences between the two governments (of India and Pakistan). Why are we being made to suffer because of tensions between the two governments? We only want to take ‘bhai jaan’ (brother) home,” said Shahzaad, who is on a 15-day visa along with Asif.

Shahzaad, who saw Sanaullah after two decades, broke down as he entered the ICU of the Advanced Trauma Centre where Sanaullah is in deep coma and on ventilator support. “‘Bhai jaan’ is very critical. I could not even see his face… it is all bandaged. How will I tell everyone back home about his condition? We pray for his recovery so that we can take him home,” said Shahzaad, who works in the sports goods manufacturing industry.

Prof SN Mathuriya, head of neurosurgery, and Prof YK Batra, ICU in-charge, explained Sanaullah’s condition to his relatives during their 20-minute visit.

They did not ask questions and left after a few minutes. The duo has permission to visit Sanaullah once a day.

A medical bulletin issued by PGIMER said Sanaullah’s condition deteriorated further today. He has developed jaundice, which is a sign of severe infection. He is gradually slipping into multiple organ failure and the functioning of his lungs has also reduced.

Sanaullah, a Pakistani citizen lodged in Jammu’s Kot Bhalwal Jail, was attacked by a fellow inmate on Friday morning. After initial treatment at Jammu’s Government Medical College and Hospital, he was rushed to PGI in an air ambulance the same evening after doctors said his condition was critical. He has been in a deep coma ever since. The assault came a day after Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh succumbed to injuries suffered in a brutal assault by inmates in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail.

Meanwhile, Pakistan High Commission representatives expressed discomfort over restrictions imposed by the Indian Government during their stay in Chandigarh. “We have been gagged by the Indian Government. We have been asked not to speak with the media and not to step out without the consent of security officials,” said one of the two Pakistan High Commission representatives escorting Sanaullah’s relatives.