Pakistan Releases 141 Indian Fishermen
- 14 years ago
Pakistani authorities have freed more than 140 Indian fishermen, a move aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. The fishermen were imprisoned for trespassing into Pakistan's waters.
Pakistan released from prison a fourth batch of 141 Indian fishermen on Monday.
Authorities say it was a gesture of goodwill by the government to improve relations with India.
[Ashraf Ali Nizamani, Jail Superintendent]: (gender unknown, Urdu)
"We are releasing 141 prisoners. We have another 12 with us whose nationality is yet to be confirmed. India has not so far verified their nationality. Therefore, these 12 will be left here. There are another 28 whose cases are still being processed and who have not been handed punishment."
The fishermen left for the border at Wagah after they were released from prison in Karachi.
[Bijal, Fisherman]: (male, Hindi)
"My family will greet me with tears of delight rolling from their eyes. They will say, 'you have come home!' The children will embrace me."
The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency arrested the fishermen for allegedly trespassing into its territorial waters.
The Pakistani government was directed by a regional court to release 442 Indian fishermen who have been imprisoned for nearly three years.
India shares an extensive oceanic border with Pakistan… but there’s no clearly defined border between Indian and Pakistani waters.
Fishermen from both countries frequently stray into each other’s territory and end up spending years in jail.
Pakistan released from prison a fourth batch of 141 Indian fishermen on Monday.
Authorities say it was a gesture of goodwill by the government to improve relations with India.
[Ashraf Ali Nizamani, Jail Superintendent]: (gender unknown, Urdu)
"We are releasing 141 prisoners. We have another 12 with us whose nationality is yet to be confirmed. India has not so far verified their nationality. Therefore, these 12 will be left here. There are another 28 whose cases are still being processed and who have not been handed punishment."
The fishermen left for the border at Wagah after they were released from prison in Karachi.
[Bijal, Fisherman]: (male, Hindi)
"My family will greet me with tears of delight rolling from their eyes. They will say, 'you have come home!' The children will embrace me."
The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency arrested the fishermen for allegedly trespassing into its territorial waters.
The Pakistani government was directed by a regional court to release 442 Indian fishermen who have been imprisoned for nearly three years.
India shares an extensive oceanic border with Pakistan… but there’s no clearly defined border between Indian and Pakistani waters.
Fishermen from both countries frequently stray into each other’s territory and end up spending years in jail.