Gujarat fisherman jailed in Pakistan dies, 2nd case this year

According to Jatin Desai, a Mumbai-based peace activist and journalist, an Indian fisherman from Gujarat died in a Karachi hospital on August 27. This marks the second case this year of a fisherman from the state dying while in Pakistan's custody. Desai, who has been advocating for Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails, also called for the immediate release of 177 fishermen who have already served their sentences.

The deceased fisherman, whose name was not disclosed, was from the Una region of Gujarat and had been imprisoned for four years despite completing his sentence in March 2022. Desai highlighted that India had released and repatriated 25 Pakistani prisoners, including eight fishermen, through the Attari-Wagah border on August 29. He urged Pakistan to reciprocate the goodwill gesture and release Indian fishermen and other civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences.

Currently, there are 197 Indian fishermen detained in Pakistan jails, many of them from Gujarat and the Union territory of Diu. The mortal remains of the fisherman who died on August 27 are expected to reach his home in Gujarat in about a month after completing all necessary formalities between the two nations.