<p>Gorakhpur (UP): After spending 16 long years behind bars, Pakistani national Mohammad Masroof, also known as Mansoor Ahmed, is set to return home.</p>.<p>The 50-year-old will be released from Gorakhpur District Jail on February 7, when his jail term, began in 2008, ends, officials said Thursday.</p>.<p>Masroof was arrested near the India-Nepal border in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, for illegally entering India without a visa or passport. Charged with espionage, the Allahabad High Court later acquitted him of these charges, convicting him only for immigration violations.</p>.<p>Being inside prison for more than 16 years, Masroof has exceeded the prescribed sentence. A release order for him was issued by the Union Home Ministry.</p>.India asks Pakistan to expedite release of Indian prisoners in its custody.<p>Gorakhpur District Jail Superintendent AK Kushwaha said arrangements are being made for Masroof's transfer to Delhi, from where he will be handed over to Pakistani authorities at the Attari border.</p>.<p>"The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to facilitate his repatriation, and ongoing reminders from the jail authorities helped expedite the process," Kushwaha added.</p>.<p>Masroof was shifted to Gorakhpur Jail from Varanasi Central Prison four years ago.</p>.<p>According to the jailer, Masroof has shown good behaviour during his time in custody and is eager to meet his family in Pakistan.</p>.<p>"He was very happy when he found out about the upcoming release and is looking forward to going home after so many years," Kushwaha said. </p>
<p>Gorakhpur (UP): After spending 16 long years behind bars, Pakistani national Mohammad Masroof, also known as Mansoor Ahmed, is set to return home.</p>.<p>The 50-year-old will be released from Gorakhpur District Jail on February 7, when his jail term, began in 2008, ends, officials said Thursday.</p>.<p>Masroof was arrested near the India-Nepal border in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, for illegally entering India without a visa or passport. Charged with espionage, the Allahabad High Court later acquitted him of these charges, convicting him only for immigration violations.</p>.<p>Being inside prison for more than 16 years, Masroof has exceeded the prescribed sentence. A release order for him was issued by the Union Home Ministry.</p>.India asks Pakistan to expedite release of Indian prisoners in its custody.<p>Gorakhpur District Jail Superintendent AK Kushwaha said arrangements are being made for Masroof's transfer to Delhi, from where he will be handed over to Pakistani authorities at the Attari border.</p>.<p>"The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to facilitate his repatriation, and ongoing reminders from the jail authorities helped expedite the process," Kushwaha added.</p>.<p>Masroof was shifted to Gorakhpur Jail from Varanasi Central Prison four years ago.</p>.<p>According to the jailer, Masroof has shown good behaviour during his time in custody and is eager to meet his family in Pakistan.</p>.<p>"He was very happy when he found out about the upcoming release and is looking forward to going home after so many years," Kushwaha said. </p>