ID :
208166
Mon, 09/19/2011 - 22:14
Auther :

India, Pakistan need to address fishermen's woes'

Rajkot, September 19, 2011 (PPI): India and Pakistan should find a permanent solution soon to ensure that fishermen who inadvertently cross their country's territorial waters do not languish in jails, visiting Pakistan delegation said, Press Trust of India PTI news agency reported.

"Innocent fishermen and civilians should not be treated as criminals which both Indian and Pakistani governments are doing," retired Pakistan Supreme Court Judge Naseer Aslam Zahid told reporters here. "The policy of keeping fishermen in jails is totally improper as they cross their respective countries water territory by mistake, which is not a serious crime. Both the countries should reach a permanent solution soon," he added.

An eight member judicial committee, comprising four retired Supreme Court justices each from both the countries, has been set up by India and Pakistan to look into the issue, Justice (rtd) Aslam Zahid said expressing hope that the committee would take a decision quickly.

Pakistan delegation, which is visiting India to meet family members of those languishing in Pakistan jails, arrived in Gujarat Sunday and met senior officials of Fisheries department. The delegation, which also includes former Pakistan Law Minister Iqbal Haider, met family members of some of prisoners in Rajkot and assured them release and is scheduled to visit coastal towns in Saurashtra region.

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