India on January 1 called upon Pakistan to release and repatriate 184 Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence in Pakistani jails. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called upon Pakistan to ensure safety and security of all Indian civilian prisoners and defence personnel, and return Indian fishermen and their boats. The message was conveyed to Islamabad during the exchange of list of prisoners between the two sides that takes place twice a year on January 1 and July 1 as per a 2008 agreement.
“Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India,” said the MEA in a statement further announcing that Islamabad has been “asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 184 Indian fishermen, who have completed their sentence”.
Jatin Desai of Pakistan India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) said, “The sentence of 184 Indian fishermen is over and their nationality is also confirmed and so Pakistan must release and repatriate them immediately.”
