The release of these 14 Pakistani nationals comes as part of ongoing efforts by both governments to address humanitarian issues related to prisoners
LAHORE: Fourteen Pakistani citizens who had completed their sentences in Indian prisons were repatriated to Pakistan and handed over to authorities at the Wagah border on Friday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and India to address the issue of prisoners held in each other’s jails.
The group, comprising nine civilians and five fishermen, was officially received by the Pakistan Rangers Punjab at the Wagah border, a symbolic crossing point that has witnessed numerous exchanges of detainees over the years. The civilians, released after completing various sentences in India, were identified as Muhammad Afaq, Faqir Hussain, Allah Basaya, Akbar Masih, Tariq Mehmood, Waseem, Raju, Allah Bachayo, and Gul Sher.
The five fishermen—Abdullah, Rajan, Saganjio, Ghulam Mustafa, and Samar—were detained after straying into Indian waters while fishing, a frequent occurrence in the contested maritime boundaries between the two nations. After their release, Pakistani security officials announced that the individuals would undergo necessary legal formalities, such as verification of identity and completion of paperwork, before being allowed to reunite with their families.
For the fishermen, a transfer to Karachi is planned, where they will be processed and sent to their homes along the coastal regions. The release of these 14 Pakistani nationals comes as part of ongoing efforts by both governments to address humanitarian issues related to prisoners. The Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has been actively working to secure the release of all Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails, and Friday’s handover is a positive step in this direction.
A spokesperson from the High Commission reaffirmed that Pakistan is committed to ensuring the safe return of its citizens, many of whom are held on minor charges such as illegal border crossings or visa violations. Diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and India regarding the release of prisoners have gained renewed momentum this year. On July 1, 2024, the two countries exchanged lists of prisoners as part of an annual agreement to maintain transparency about the number of detainees held in each other’s prisons.
Pakistan shared the names of 38 defense personnel and 452 civilians and fishermen held in Indian jails, while India provided a list of 452 Indian nationals or alleged Indian citizens detained in Pakistan. This exchange is part of a longstanding practice aimed at fostering better communication and cooperation on humanitarian issues, despite the tense political relationship between the two countries.
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