NEW DELHI – Day after Pakistani authorities released 30 Indian prisoners, New Delhi have also released seven Pakistani civilian prisoners, officials said Tuesday.
"We repatriated seven Pakistan civilian prisoners yesterday," an Indian Home Ministry official said. "Last week also 14 Pakistani fishermen were released and repatriated."Pakistan handed over 30 Indian prisoners including 27 fishermen to Indian officials on Monday at Wagah border in Punjab.
Islamabad described the move as humanitarian gesture and had expected a similar response from New Delhi.
According to Indian officials, as per a government report submitted to the country's top court last month, over 470 Indians, including 418 fishermen, were languishing in Pakistani jails. Fishermen of the two countries are often jailed for accidentally crossing into each other's territory. The fishermen from both sides traverse poorly-defined boundary in the international waters as most fishing boats lack technologies to locate exact positions.
Meanwhile a statement issued by the Indian Home Ministry said they have secured release of 178 prisoners this year.
"India attaches high priority to addressing humanitarian issues including early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and prisoners in Pakistan's custody. Release of 178 Indian prisoners, including 174 fishermen, has been secured in 2018, so far," the statement said.
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