The Indian Supreme Court building in New Delhi.—File Photo

NEW DELHI: India’s top court has directed local authorities to make arrangements for the return of all Pakistani prisoners who, despite completing their terms, were yet to be released from the country’s jails.

While hearing the case related to foreign prisoners in Indian jails, Supreme Court judge R. M Ladha observed that such cases have become painful.

Lamenting the imprisonment of Pakistanis in the Indian jails, the judge questioned the authorities about the hindrances they face in releasing Pakistani prisoners.

Citing the meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday, Ladha questioned why the matter was not discussed at the top level.