A Nepali man convicted in Saudia Arabia for a murder of a Pakistani national has been given clemency by the victim’s family. Umesh Yadav, of Dhanusha district, has been doing time in Saudia Arabian Jail.

The victim’s family agreed to grant clemency to Yadav after Saroj Raya, who went to Faisalabad in Pakistan to seek pardon on behalf of Umesh, reached a settlement to pay blood money following amicable talks. It has been learnt that the assailant’s side agreed to pay the blood money. However, the amount of blood money has not been disclosed.

Yadav was accused of murdering Pakistani man Mohammad Lucky Asif 11 years ago. Six years ago a local court of Saudi Arabian had sentenced Yadav to death.

Mohammad’s elder brother Safik said they decided to pardon Yadav despite the agony of his brother’s death. “We are suffering our brother’s loss, and it was really bad for us. But we still granted pardon in the name of Allah,” he said.

Pakistani lawyer Mohamed Nawas, who play a role in the reconciliation between the two families, said the victim’s family have shown their big heart. “We Pakistanis are people with big heart. This has been proven by the victim’s family,” he said.

Saroj Raya, who reached Faisalabad in Pakistan to negotiate a settlement with the victim’s family, expressed his joy, saying that his mission has been accomplished.

“Finally, we have been able to save Umesh from death penalty. The victim’s family has accepted blood money,” he said. “I express my gratitude to all the friends who helped in this endeavour.”