18 Indian fishermen arrested by Pakistan

Pakistan arrested 18 Indian fishermen and seized three boats on Monday on charges of violating the country’s territorial waters, according to Pakistani media reports.

Pakistan arrested 18 Indian fishermen and seized three boats on Monday on charges of violating the country’s territorial waters, according to Pakistani media reports.

The fishermen were arrested by Pakistan’s Maritime Security Agency (MSA) in the Arabian Sea. The MSA also seized three fishing boats.

Pakistan and India arrest dozens of fishermen every year for violating each other’s territorial waters. Many fishermen languish in jail for months even after completing their prison terms.

In February, Pakistan released 172 Indian fishermen and repatriated them via the Wagah land border. Pakistan had freed another 40 Indian prisoners in November last year.

Earlier this month, Pakistan repatriated 57 Indian fishing boats. Indian fishermen often complain that their boats seized by the MSA are not returned.