48 Indian fisherman releases from Pakistan jail

Islamabad: Pakistan have freed Forty-eight Indian fishermen on Monday, who have been  in Karachi’s jail for long time.

The release followed President Asif Ali Zardari’s announcement on Saturday that all Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails, including those who are yet to complete their prison terms, would be freed.

Zardari made the announcement during External Affairs Minister S M Krishna’s visit to Pakistan.

Eighteen-year-old Kishan Chand was among 10 teenagers released on Monday. He could not be released earlier because of illness, officials said.

Another 32 fishermen are still being held in Malir Jail and they would be freed soon, officials said.

The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum and officials called for the release of Pakistani fishermen currently in Indian jails as a reciprocal gesture.

“We expect our neighbours will show the same spirit and release Pakistani prisoners from their jails,” said Ayaz Soomro, the Law Minister of Sindh province.

According to information provided by the government in Parliament last month, a total of 428 Pakistani nationals, including 85 fishermen, are currently in Indian jails.