Pakistan releases 26 Indian fishermen from prison humanitarian grounds

Islamabad, August 13: Pakistan on Sunday released at least 26 Indian fishermen who were imprisoned on the charges of poaching in neighbour’s territory as a goodwill gesture or on humanitarian grounds. This comes a day before newly-elected Parliament's maiden meeting to start the process of handing over powers to the new government.

 

Notably, as many as 26 Indian fishermen who were arrested by the Pakistani authorities for allegedly poaching in neighbour’s territory were released. All the released fishermen were taken to Lahore from Karachi's Malir jail. On Tuesday, the fishermen will be handed over to Indian border officials at Wagah border.

In May this year, in a bid to secure immediate release and repatriation of fishermen who inadvertently cross the international maritime boundary, the Indian Authorities conveyed to Pakistan the need for instituting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) keeps arresting Indian fishermen on the charges of poaching in Pakistani waters. In February this year, the Pakistani forces arrested 42 fishermen from Gujarat and seized their eight boats. While in January this year, Pakistan released 147 Indian fishermen from Malir Jail in Karachi as a goodwill gesture.