The Pakistani authorities released 22 Indian fishermen from the Karachi Malir prison, starting their repatriation process on Friday, as confirmed by a police officer.
Arshad Shah, the superintendent of the Malir prison, confirmed that the fishermen had started their trip to India once the formalities is necessary on the Indian side.
He stressed that Pakistan endeavors to ensure that prisoners are held in good conditions and that they are quickly released when receiving the required directives.
Faisal Edhi, president of the EDHI Foundation, organized transport for fishermen in Lahore, from where they will continue their trip to India. The Edhi Foundation covered its travel costs and provided them with gifts and money.
Edhi also urged the two governments to adopt a more compassionate approach to fishermen who involuntarily cross maritime borders.
He underlined the suffering of their families during their prolonged incarcerations and called for their immediate release and their rapid repatriation once their sentences are completed.
As a general rule, the Pakistani authorities repatriated Indian fishermen through the Wagah border, where Indian authorities facilitate their return to coastal communities after completing its official formalities.