KARACHI: Ex-Pilot Officer Anwar Masood has been sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment under Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act, it was officially learnt in Karachi.

The accused was arrested on July 31 last for being in possession of classified documents and vital information relating to the defence of the country, which he had passed on to Group Captain Pawar, Air Adviser of the Indian High Commission in Karachi. Anwar Masood had made a judicial confession to this effect on Aug 13.

On the basis of incontestable evidence about the espionage activities carried on by Group Captain Pawar, the Government of Pakistan had demanded on Sept 8 the Indian officer’s immediate recall as also of three other members of the Indian High Commission staff. The persons concerned have since left this country.

Anwar Masood was brought to trial on Sept 13 in the court of Social Judge (Central) Karachi. The trial was held in camera, and the sentence was awarded on Sept 17. — Staff Correspondent

Aslam wins

KARACHI: Aslam added yet another feather to his cap, when he knocked out India’s Gurnam Singh in two minutes 10 seconds of the first round in a six-round challenge fight at the National Stadium last night.

Gurnam Singh had challenged Aslam, expressing the view that he had waited all these years to have a crack at the son of the illustrious Imam Bux. Gurnam Singh had downed almost all the top-notch wrestlers of India.

The National Stadium last night saw a crowd like the day when the first cricket Test between India and Pakistan was played in 1955. Nearly 80,000 people occupied the stands after the gates were opened following selling out of the tickets. — Sports Correspondent