A rights group in Pakistan has urged President Pervez Musharraf to grant clemency to Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh - sentenced to death on charges of spying - saying this would boost bilateral ties.

The Society for Human Rights and Prisoners Aid (SHARP) Tuesday appealed to Musharraf to accept the mercy petition by the family of the condemned man.

"Pakistan under your dynamic and visionary leadership is moving ahead towards peace between the two neighbouring countries and the people across the border are very happy to see the positive change," it said.

It said though Singh had been convicted by the courts of being involved in terrorist acts that had killed many innocent people he should be given clemency as this would pave the way for the release of hundreds of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.

The organisation said this gesture by Pakistan would prove its sincerity towards the peace process between the two countries.

The group also pointed out that there was some confusion over the identity of the convict and, in such case, Sarabjit should be given the benefit of the doubt.