KARACHI: 22 Indian fishermen imprisoned in Pakistan have been sent to India.
As per media report, Twenty-two Indian fishermen, who were held in Malir Landhi District Jail, have been released and transferred to Lahore. They were then sent back to India via the Wagah Border.
These fishermen were arrested over the past two and a half to three years for illegally fishing in Pakistani waters.
According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, the released fishermen include 3 Muslims and 19 Hindus. He stated that the fishermen had completed their sentences given by local courts and were released on humanitarian grounds to be sent back to their home country.
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After their release, the fishermen were taken to Lahore under the arrangements of the Edhi Foundation. From there, they were handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah Border.
At the time of their release, the fishermen were also given gifts and a reasonable amount of money for expenses.
The released fishermen include Bhopat, Mala, Ram, Karshan, Mohon, Asif, Jumma, Lakhman, Moujee, Deepak, Ramji, Hari, Tappu, Suresh, Ashok, Kanji, Vijay, Manoj Kumar, Dinesh Vino, Mahesh, Subhash, Sanjay and Silendhar.
The jail superintendent added that 198 other Indian fishermen are still serving their sentences in Malir Landhi District Jail. This move is seen as part of efforts to improve relations between the two countries based on humanitarian grounds.