Summary The fishermen will be handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah border on Monday.
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Pakistan on Sunday released 151 Indian fishermen from Malir jail Karachi and Hyderabab jail as a goodwill gesture ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Indian government led by Narendra Modi on Monday.
The fishermen have been released and transported to Wagah border in Lahore where they will be handed over to Indian authorities on Monday.
Political analysts said the decision to release the fishermen could be to send positive signals to the new BJP-led government.
Last year in August Pakistan had released 337 Indian fishermen from the Malir and Central jails in Karachi as a goodwill gesture. Another 15 Indian fishermen were released as a goodwill gesture on Diwali.
According to Indian fishermen activists, at present around 229 Indian fishermen and about 780 Indian boats are in Pakistani custody. Similarly, around 200 Pakistani fishermen with 150 boats were lodged in Indian jails.
Fishermen from both countries are routinely arrested and their boats seized by maritime security forces in both countries when they trespass territorial waters jurisdictions.
