‘Missed a lot in the past 20 yrs, want to go home’

Mohammed Khalil Chisti now wants to return home and catch up with life — moments with family and friends that he missed the past 20 years.

"I have missed a lot in the past 20 years. Whatever there was to miss, I have missed. It is now time to look forward to returning home," said the 82-year-old Pakistani citizen who was acquitted in a murder case by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Chisti, however, is not against visiting India again. "I shall keep visiting Ajmer as I have a lot of friends and relatives here in India," he said.

During the course of the trial, his son Tariq quit his job in Saudi Arabia to devote time for his father's court proceedings. He said that December 12, 2012 was the best day of his life.

"This day — 12-12-12 — will never be forgotten by our family. We will go back to Karachi as soon as possible," he said.

Chisti's three daughters, who are settled with their families in Saudi Arabia and Canada, have planned a reunion once he reaches Pakistan. Chisti has five daughters, one son and 31 grandchildren, who will all be joining the celebrations. "I am very grateful to the judges who were monitoring my case. Today the highest court of the country, the Supreme Court, has granted me justice. The legal process takes its time but I had full faith in the judiciary. The justice system runs on a lengthy process, I would urge the government to reduce it. The delay results in innocent persons suffering," said Chisti.

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