Six fishermen among 12 prisoners repatriated to Pakistan
Amritsar (Punjab), February 18: As many as 12 prisoners including six fishermen were repatriated to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border, informed the Ministry of External Affairs Ministry (MEA) on Thursday.
"These fishermen entered India mistakenly and have completed their imprisonment," protocol officer Arunpal Singh said.
In the statement released on Thursday, it said, India attaches the highest importance to addressing all humanitarian matters, including the early release and repatriation of Indian prisoners and fishermen held in Pakistan.
Last month, Pakistan released 20 Indian fishermen and repatriated them to India via the Wagah Border. The fishermen were detained in Karachi's Landhi jail for four years, according to Arunpal Singh, Protocol Officer at the Attari-Wagah border.
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“The government’s persistent efforts, have succeeded in the release and repatriation of 20 Indian fishermen from Pakistan’s custody in 2022 so far,” the statement by the MEA read.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan High Commission in India said, “In close coordination with @ForeignOfficePk as well as the Indian side, 12 Pakistan nationals, including 6 fishermen, who were under imprisonment in India, were repatriated today via Attari-Wagah border on completion of their sentences."
The high commission stated that it will continue to push for the early repatriation of all Pakistani detainees who have served their time in India.
It further said, “Among those reuniting with their families in Pakistan today is a senior citizen (80 years plus), Muhammad Nazir s/o Fateh Din."
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-PTC News
