22 Indian fishermen held in Karachi jail released, sent home

The released fishermen were handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah Border. The released Indian fishermen were brought to Lahore from Karachi in a special bus run by Edhi Foundation.

Fishermen from both countries are frequently arrested due to poorly demarcated sea frontiers. (Representative image/ File Photo)

As many as 22 Indian fishermen, who were languishing in Pakistan’s Karachi jail, were released and sent to their country on Saturday, officials said.

The released fishermen were handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah Border near here. The released Indian fishermen were brought to Lahore from Karachi in a special bus run by Edhi Foundation earlier in the day.

“Each Indian fisherman was provided with PKR 5,000, meals, and gifts by the Edhi Foundation,” a spokesperson for Edhi Foundation told PTI.

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Earlier, Malir (Karachi) Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah told the media that the fishermen were released after completing their sentences.

Also Read | Pakistan to repatriate 22 Indian fishermen as they complete their sentences: Report

They were all arrested for unintentionally crossing into Pakistan’s territorial waters. Fishermen from both countries are frequently arrested due to poorly demarcated sea frontiers.

Edhi Foundation head Faisal Edhi urged both India and Pakistan to adopt a more compassionate approach toward fishermen who mistakenly cross maritime boundaries.

According to the latest prisoner exchange lists shared between India and Pakistan on January 1, 2025: Pakistan held 266 Indian prisoners, including 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen while India held 462 Pakistani prisoners, including 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen.

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