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Execution Of Pakistan Briton Postponed
Prince of Wales believed to have urged for mercy
The British prisoner due to hang in Pakistan for murdering a taxi driver in 1988 has had his sentence postponed. Mirza Tahir Hussain, 36, was due to die on November 1st, but following interventions by Prince Charles and Prime Minister Tony Blair Pakistani authorities have put his execution on hold for a further two months.
The orders for the stay came from President Pervez Musharraf's office, reports Agence France-Presse.
Hussain's brother Amjad criticised the Pakistan government for extending his brother's ordeal on death row. He said that there should be no more talk of stays, and that his brother should be released, having served 18 years in prison for the murder.
The Prince of Wales was due to make an official visit to Pakistan this month: His visit would have coincided with Hussain's execution. The Prince's office is believed to have made representations to Pakistan, suggesting the Prince was uncomfortable with the timing of the visit.
