LOC16:25
13:25 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Dec 26 (KUNA) -- Pakistan Saturday released about a hundred
detained Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture.
The Indian fishermen were being held in a Pakistani jail in Southern Malir
district for illegal fishing in its territorial waters.
They were brought to eastern Lahore city via train and handed over to the
Indian authorities at Indo-Pak Wagha border.
The fishermen were to be released on Friday but it was postponed at the
request of Indian government, according to provincial Jails Minister Muzzafar
Ali Shajra.
In statements to the press, he expressed hope that India will respond
positively to the gesture.
Pakistani and Indian Maritime security authorities routinely arrest
either's fishermen. While thousands have been released, hundreds are still
languishing in their jails.
According to rough estimates, about 500 Indian fishermen are still being
held in Pakistani jails, whereas, more than six hundred Pakistani fishermen
are also detained in Indian jails. (end)
amn.ajs
KUNA 261625 Dec 09NNNN