Pakistan hands over 18 fishermen to India at Wagah Border

The fishermen, who were in Malir Jail for the last few years for violating the territorial waters of the country, were allowed to cross over to the border after verification of their documents.

Pakistan on Monday handed over 18 fishermen to India at the Wagah Border, a day after they were released by the authorities upon completion of sentences for allegedly trespassing into Pakistan’s territorial waters.

Pakistan on Monday handed over 18 fishermen to India at the Wagah Border, a day after they were released by the authorities upon completion of sentences for allegedly trespassing into Pakistan’s territorial waters. (Hindustan Times Photo)

Punjab rangers handed over the fishermen, who were released on Sunday from the Malir jail of Sindh province, to the Border Security Force, a Rangers official, Muhamamd Asif, said.

The fishermen, who were in Malir Jail for the last few years for violating the territorial waters of the country, were allowed to cross over to the border after verification of their documents, he added.

The Edhi Foundation, which facilitated the arrangements for their return home, said each of them were given Rs 5,000 and gifts, including clothes for themselves and their family members in India.

Both Indian and Pakistani fishermen are often arrested for illegal fishing, since the Arabian Sea border is not clearly defined and many boats lack the technology to fix their precise location.

Recently, Pakistan released more than 300 Indian fishermen who had completed their jail term, while over 400 others are currently lodged in Karachi prisons.