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Pakistan releases 100 detained Indian fishermen

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