Pakistani on Thursday freed 145 Indian fishermen, held for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters. The release of the fishermen comes as a goodwill gesture amidst a war of words between Islamabad and New Delhi regarding the circumstances of the much publicised meeting between alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and his family.
The freed men will return to the Gujarat coast via Lahore and Wagah border.
The fishermen were released following last week’s announcement by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal that 291 Indian fishermen would be released in two phases till January 8.
The fishermen were taken amid tight security to Karachi Cantonment Railway Station, from where they are being sent to Lahore, a police official said.
“They will be handed over to Indian officials at Wagah border crossing,” the official said.
The remaining 146 fishermen are expected to be released and repatriated on January 8.
Policemen oversee the fishermen’s release from Karachi prison.
Those released were also given gifts and cash prizes by Edhi Foundation charity, which traditionally helps in repatriation of Indian fishermen.
Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other’s territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away.
Activists have long been demanding a no-arrest policy as well as for release of the boats confiscated when the fishermen are detained.
— PTI
