Pakistan Frees 337 Indian Prisoners As Goodwill Gesture

Islamabad, Aug 24, IRNA – Pakistan on Friday released 337 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture at a time when tension has escalated over exchange of firing between forces of the two countries in the disputed Kashmir region. The fishermen had been arrested for illegal fishing in Pakistani water and were freed on completion of their jail term, officials say. Indian fishermen were freed from a jail in the port city of Karachi, Superintendent Malir District Jail Shuja Haider told the media persons. All the freed Indian prisoners boarded buses to travel up-to the eastern city of Lahore where they will be handed over to Indian authorities on Wagha border on Saturday. Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior said on Thursday that a total of 365 Indian prisoners including 340 fishermen and 25 crew members of Indian vessels will be released. A group of 337 fishermen were released from District Jail Malir in Karachi, while 25 crew members will be released from Gaddani Jail, in southwestern Balochistan province. The prisoners were freed after confirmation of their national status as Indians, officials said. They will be repatriated to India through Wagha Border on August 24, the interior ministry said in a statement. Pakistan released Indian prisoners at a time when tension has increased between the two nuclear rivals over cross border shelling along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region. Exchange of fire has claimed lives of soldiers on both sides and Pakistan’s military says its two soldiers were killed in latest Indian firing on Thursday. Pakistan and India routinely arrest fishermen after they mistakenly cross other’s water. There are no maritime boundaries and both countries have held series of talks but have not yet reached any agreement. Officials say there are still hundreds of fishermen and other prisoners languishing in jails in both countries. Prisoners usually complain about mistreatment. Advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs adviser, Sartaj Aziz, told the Parliament this month that Pakistan currently held 491 Indian prisoners, including 437 fishermen and 54 other civilians. The Foreign Ministry says there are at least 485 Pakistanis jailed in India, including 172 fishermen and 313 other civilians./end