Indian boy released by Pak on humanitarian grounds

“He will be flown home on a PIA flight and will be accompanied by a doctor and officers of the Indian High Commission,” Zahid said.

He said around 500 Indian fishermen including 35 teenagers are languishing in Pakistani jails and efforts were being made to have those who didn’t have criminal or serious cases registered against them released.

“Officials of the Indian High Commission have visited the jails and seen these fishermen and are verifying their identities and citizenship. After which the Pakistan government would have to decide on the exchange of fishermen detained on both sides,” he said.

Zahid said the release of the teenaged boy was a positive sign for those fishermen who are in Pakistani jails. Both governments regularly arrest fishermen who stray into each other’s maritime territory while looking for better catches.

Sami Memon of the Pakistan Fishermen Forum said around 55 Pakistani fishermen are in Indian jails. Memon said the teenager being released was among 18 Indian fishermen recently arrested. “The boy was suffering from high fever and needed quick medical attention. It was because of his health that the Sindh government took immediate action and are releasing him now,” he said.