25 Pakistanis return home after release from Indian jails via Wagah border

Twenty-five Pakistani fishermen were repatriated to their homeland on Saturday after being released from Indian jails, crossing the Wagah-Attari border in Lahore, according to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. The fishermen completed immigration procedures and returned to Pakistani authorities. Pakistani mission personnel assisted in the repatriation process.

The Pakistan government pledged to continue efforts to release and repatriate all Pakistani citizens detained in Indian prisons. The Fishermen’s Cooperative Society expressed congratulations to the community, hoping the released fishermen would reunite with their families and resume normal lives. The FCS spokesperson confirmed the fishermen were handed over to the Punjab Rangers following repatriation.

In a letter to the leaders of both nations, a coalition of Pakistani and Indian organizations called for the immediate release and repatriation of all imprisoned fishermen who had fulfilled their sentences. Pakistan had previously urged India to release 97 Pakistani prisoners who had completed their terms, including 33 fishermen.

As of July 1, 198 Indian fishermen remained incarcerated in Pakistan, while 53 Pakistani fishermen were detained in India. Many of these individuals had served lengthy sentences post their initial conviction.