Pakistan set to release 360 detained Indian fishermen as goodwill gesture

Both countries routinely hold those captured in prison until releasing them for diplomatic purposes

Pakistan will release the first batch of 360 Indian prisoners detained for fishing illegally in the country’s territorial waters in the Arabian sea, officials in the country said.

Prison official Munir Ahmed said that 100 prisoners will travel by train under police guard to the eastern city of Lahore before being handed over to Indian authorities at the Wahga border crossing tomorrow.

Pakistani and Indian maritime agencies frequently arrest each other’s fishermen on charges of illegal fishing.

The detainees are often held in prison until such goodwill gestures are shown from either side.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry has said the remaining Indian prisoners will be released this month.

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours flared up in February after a suicide bombing in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir killed more than 40 Indian soldiers.

Associated Press