New Delhi, Mar 17 : Minister of State for Home Affairs, Sriprakash Jaiswal today said that the centre would make best possible efforts to secure the release of Sarabjit Singh, who is likely to be hanged on April 1.

"We should not lose hope and even today we shall make the best possible efforts to do our best," said Jaiswal.

Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma also said that not only will Sarabjit's case be taken up in right earnest, but the Government would also urge the Pakistan government to deal humanely with other Indian prisoners languishing in Pakistan.

It may be recalled that in an attempt to put a pressure on the Governments of India and Pakistan, Dalbir Kaur, the sister of Sarabjit Singh, had earlier threatened self-immolation.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has rejected a mercy plea of Sarabjit close on the heels of the release of Kashmir Singh, another death row prisoner who was recently released by the neighbouring country.

Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected Sarabjit's mercy petition in March 2006. He has been awarded capital punishment for his alleged involvement in four bomb blasts in Pakistan in 1990.

The Indian Government has pressed for clemency for Sarabjit, but has not made a formal request on his behalf. (ANI)