Pakistan releases 163 Indian fishermen as goodwill gesture

On Sunday, August 2, Pakistan released 138 Indian fishermen from a Karachi prison as a goodwill gesture and in pursuance of Ufa talks.

The prisoners were apprehended 10 months ago after allegedly straying in Pakistan’s territorial water. Eight of these fishermen are Muslims.

Fishermen wait at Karachi Cantt Station to leave for India as Pakistan authorities released 163 of them on Sunday.

The fishermen were received by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) and philanthropist Faisal Edhi who took them to the Cantonment Railway Station for their departure to Lahore; they would then cross into India through the Wahga Border. The Indian fishermen were languishing in the jail for the last one year on the charges of violating limits of Pakistan’s maritime border. “When I will meet my parents, brothers and sisters, I will be even more happy”, said Indian fisherman Ajay as he got ready to board the train to Lahore.

According to reports, an 11-year-old boy was also among the 163 Indian nationals who were released as a gesture of goodwill by Pakistani authorities.

The released fishermen were given gifts and cash by welfare agencies and the provincial government to assist them in their return to India.