India releases 88 Pakistani fishermen lodged in Indian jails

This decision was conveyed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during a telephonic talk on June 16.

The release and repatriation of the Pakistani fishermen has been considered by the Central Government in close coordination with the Government of Gujarat so that they can be with their family during the month of Ramzan.

Out of a total of 115 Pakistani fishermen presently lodged in jails in Gujarat, the Centre had decided to release and repatriate 88 Pakistani fishermen, whose nationality has been confirmed by the Government of Pakistan, after withdrawal of cases registered against them with the consent of the competent courts on humanitarian considerations.

These 88 Pakistani fishermen have already left Gujarat and they will be handed over to the Pakistani authorities at Attari border on June 21.

"Even though there were reports in the media about 9 more Pakistani fishermen whose nationality is stated to have been confirmed by the Government of Pakistan, as per available records, the MHA has not received any communication regarding the nationality confirmation of these 9 Pakistani fishermen," read an official statement.

Release and repatriation of the remaining 27 Pakistani fishermen lodged in jails in Gujarat will be considered by the Government as and when their nationality is confirmed by the Pakistani High Commission in India.