Pakistan on Monday released 30 Indian prisoners ahead of Independence Day, including 27 fishermen. The release of the prisoners “is in line with Pakistan’s consistent policy of not politicising humanitarian issues”, foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said in a statement.
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“This is a humanitarian gesture to mark Pakistan’s Independence day on August 14,” he said. “It is our hope that the Indian side will also reciprocate in a similar manner.”
Senior jail superintendent of Malir jail in Karachi, Ghulam Baksh, said that they had released the fishermen on Sunday and sent them via train to Lahore after getting orders from the interior ministry. “The fishermen have been released as a goodwill measure,” he said.
Almost 470 Indians, including 418 fishermen were detained in Pakistan Jail, according to the government reports. The fishermen on Monday will be sent to India through Wagah Border.
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“We have taken care of their expenses, including sending them by train to Lahore and taking them to the Wagah Border. We have also given them cash and gifts as a sign of goodwill,” Senior jail superintendent of Malir jail, said.