Karachi, Aug 15 (ANI): As a "goodwill gesture" to mark India's 66th Independence Day, Pakistan has released 55 Indian fishermen, out of which three are juveniles.
"We hope our neighbours reciprocate in the same spirit and release Pakistani prisoners from their jails," Law Minister of Sindh, Ayaz Soomro, told ANI.
He added that the releases were "a goodwill gesture".
The release is part of an understanding between the two countries to free citizens who mistakenly stray into each other's waters.
The released fishermen were presented with flowers and gifts, and then sent by bus to Lahore, from where they would cross the Wagah border. They are expected to reach India on Thursday.
According to officials, approximately 100 Indian fishermen are still in Pakistani jails and 250 Pakistanis in Indian prisons. (ANI)
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Comments:
Muhammad Khalid Butt
October 4, 2012 at 9:38 PM
Muhammad Khalid Butt
August 15, 2012 at 8:51 PMI expect that India will also respond with the same spirit and release all Pakistani prisoners who have served their jail terms & yet they are languishing in different Indian jails. I am looking forward to the repatriation of Sikandar-i-Azam Sani. The honorable judges of the apex Supreme Court of India have ordered to release him immediately & brought him to Lampur Sewa Sadan before his repatriation. PHC is expected to arrange his travel documents/emergency travel certificate immediately.
Repatriation of Sikander Azam has not so far been materialized though he has been released from the central jail, kotbhalwal, Jammu by the orders of the apex Supreme Court of India dated 8th August, 2012 and brought to Delhi, Lampur Sewa Sadan, Rehabilitation & Reform Home/Shelter Home on 14th August, 2012. Additional Solicitor General, Mr. P.P. Malhotra assured the apex Supreme Court that immediate steps will be taken for his deportation. He further assured that within 2-months from the verdict of the court, his repatriation will be ensured. On 7th October, 2012 2-months are going to expire/lapse. No Objection Certificate is yet to be issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. Upon receipt of NOC, Pakistani High Commission will issue/prepare his Emergency Travel Certificate/Travel Document for repatriation. I do hope that all the procedural formalities will be completed within due course of time .