Pakistan yesterday, released 172 Indian fishermen who had been held for violating territorial waters in the Arabian Sea, officials said.
“As a goodwill gesture, we released 172 Indian fishermen today,” Muhammad Hassan Sehto, superintendent of Malir district jail in Karachi, where the fishermen were held, told the media.
The release coincided with a well watched World Cup match between the two countries in Adelaide, Australia.
Sehto said 349 Indian inmates were still in custody, however.
Such arrests are frequently carried out by both countries as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined, and many fishing boats lack the technology needed to ascertain their precise location.
Sehto said the freed fishermen will travel by train to Lahore, from where they will be handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah, the only active border crossing between the neighbours.
Another government official in Karachi confirmed the number and release of the fishermen.
Last month, Pakistani marine forces arrested 38 Indian fishermen after they strayed into Pakistani waters.
