Pakistan releases 22 Indian fishermen

A total of 22 Indian fishermen have been released from Malir Jail in Karachi and were sent to Wagah Border near Lahore for repatriation to India.

The fishermen, who were arrested for violating international waters, are being transported by bus to Lahore with the Edhi Foundation covering their all travel expenses.

They will be handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border as a goodwill gesture.

Deputy Superintendent District Prison Malir, Arshad Shah, said that the 22 Indian fishermen including three Muslims and 19 Hindus were arrested by Pakistani authorities over the past three years for illegally fishing in Pakistani waters.

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The jail official added that the fishermen were released on humanitarian grounds and are now being sent back to their home country.

Upon their release, the fishermen were also given a reasonable amount of money for expenses along with gifts.

Furthermore, Shah said an additional 198 Indian fishermen are serving their sentences in District Jail Malir.