India releases 88 Pakistani fishermen

The release of jailed fishermen come following a telephonic conversation between premiers of the two countries earlier this week.

A total of 88 Pakistani fishermen detained in two different prisons of Gujarat state for three years had been released and are expected to be handed over to Pakistani authorities at Wagah border by June 21, Pakistani diplomatic sources said.

“The Pakistani fishermen would be handed over at Wagah border in two batches on June 21 and 22,” said Ghulam Rasool Sheikh, a welfare officer of the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society.

“After release of these 88 fishermen, some 53 Pakistani fishermen are left detained in Indian jails. In Pakistani jails there are still some 300 Indian fishermen. But one should recognise the fact that in a year, we have released some 1,200 Indian fishermen and their 57 boats.”

Sheikh said, India in return took the same initiative for only 90 Pakistani fishermen before this fresh batch of 88 was released on Friday.