As a goodwill gesture, Pakistan government has released 30 Indian prisoners, including 27 fishermen, from jail on Monday, confirmed the Foreign Ministry.
The 27 fishermen today reached Lahore and will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah Border.
“This is in line with Pakistan’s consistent policy of not politicizing humanitarian issues. It is our hope that the Indian side will also reciprocate in a similar manner,” the Foreign Ministry statement said.
Over 470 Indians, including 418 fishermen, are detained in Pakistani jails, according to a government report submitted before the country’s Supreme Court in July.
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Pakistan and India routinely arrest fishermen who cross water boundaries for illegal fishing, but the two neighbours have not yet reached an agreement on maritime boundaries.
Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14, after gaining independence from the British rule 71 years ago in 1947. India observes its Independence Day a day later, on August 15.
