- RSS
- Today's Paper
- Subscribe
- beta 2.1
Alerts
Pakistan frees 55 Indians for Independence Day
Indian fishermen released as a 'goodwill gesture' to mark independence day in India.
Indian fishermen leave a jail after their release in the port city Karachi on August 15, 2012. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday released 55 Indian fishermen, 15 of them teenagers, as a “goodwill gesture” to mark independence day in India.
The release is part of an understanding between the two countries to free citizens who mistakenly stray into each other’s waters.
“Some 55 Indian fishermen have been released from our jail on the instructions of the government,” said Nazeer Husain Shah, superintendent of Malir district prison in Karachi.
“Those released include 15 teenage boys,” he told AFP.
The Indians were presented with flowers and gifts, then bused to Lahore, from where they would cross the Wagah border.
Officials say 100 Indian fishermen are still in Pakistani jails and 250 Pakistanis in Indian prisons.
Ayaz Soomro, law minister for Sindh, said the releases were “a goodwill gesture”.
“We hope our neighbours reciprocate in the same spirit and release Pakistani prisoners from their jails,” he said.
Reader Comments (41)
World Latest Stories
Samiulla's story: I heard a bomb blast...
In 2009, Samiulla had to give up his dream of going to school.
23 Hezbollah fighters killed in Syria's Qusayr: Watchdog
The deaths came in fighting that followed a long-expected government assault on Qusayr.
After cyclone, Myanmar camps face monsoon threat
Myanmar's Rakhine state is pockmarked with makeshift settlements for up to 140,000 people.
South Korea says ready for more North missile tests
The North fired three short-range guided missiles off its east coast on Saturday and another on Sunday.
'War on mosques' rages in Iraq
Dozens of attacks this year have stirred already-simmering sectarian tensions between Sunni minority and Shia majority
Bangladesh factory banned by Wal-Mart still makes Wrangler shirts
Company says its philosophy was to "stay and improve" working conditions.
Visiting Chinese PM vows to build trust with India
Li's visit comes after a flare-up last month in a long-running border dispute between the two countries.
For the record: Woman climber makes Pakistan proud
21-year-old Samina Baig scales Everest with her brother Mirza Ali.
Travel: Jordan by ruins
Understanding a modernised Arab country littered with remains of empires past.
Recent Slideshows
More in World
India to launch Mars mission: PM
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2013 The Express Tribune News Network.
Technical feedback? [email protected]
Should we expect the same thing from their Side ????????Recommend
This is an outstanding move, thank you for this great gesture.
Recommend
thank you.Recommend
Awesome! We need further actions like this. The world has moved on. It’s not 1947 anymore. Let’s make India our friend, and stop looking at them as our enemy. Trust me, when any desi goes abroad for studies, Indians are like one of our best pals. We speak the same language, enjoy the same food, songs and a lot more. Both countries can benefit a lot by trade and committing to take action against common enemies. Jai Hind, and Pakistan Zindabad!
Recommend
change in a right direction, we appreciate it….
Recommend
Bold and progressive.
Recommend
brotherhood. love it
Recommend
generous stance of government of paksitan
Recommend
Did they do the same yesterday?
Recommend
Great decision. There are so many poor fishermen that accidentally end up here because the maritime borders are not clearly marked. My dad was arrested in India once, and the only reason he managed to get free was because he had contacts. There are so many fishermen in both countries living in terrible conditions with no idea when they will be released. Both govts should work together to process all these illegal detentions.
Recommend
India should also reciprocate the same.. After all innocents should not be suffered by the mischievous policies/attitudes of the governments.. God Bless Humanity..
Recommend
Certainly a great news. Kudos to Govt. for taking the initiative.
Recommend
Good Move, but why not 66 to have a more good gesture towards the independence day.
Recommend
What do you expect from us? Release Kasab
Recommend
Lets release all prisoners from India, including those who may be prisoners since 65 war.
Recommend
The smile on the guy’s face is priceless!
God bless India and Pakistan! :)
Recommend
Awesome News! Well done.
Recommend
Needless to say, India DIDN’T release a single Pakistani prisoner yesterday on Pakistan’s Independence Day!
Recommend
@ Patriotic!
Your comment really put a smile on my face and you are absolutely right! Times have moved on and any desi worldwide is my brother or sister. We share the same culture and should be allies not enemies! :)
Recommend
Ameer, and the smile on the guy in the background :D
Recommend
A very nice gesture. :)
Should be reciprocated.
Recommend
I see hate filled comments (mostly from Indians) everyday on this website. Hate for my beloved Pakistan. But I keep telling all my fellow Pakistanis, keep your head high and never let a hater make you feel less proud of being a Pakistani.
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!!
Recommend
@Hafeez Pasha: U are right, the reason for that is India has done that much earlier and now our jails are free of your citizens, but for Kasab!
Recommend
I suggest we release all the fishermen that crossed over to Pakistani side of the waters. It’s no use keeping them locked up, they are not our enemies and never meant to harm Pakistan. India should also do the same but I would never advocate releasing someone like Kassab and Pakistan should never release anyone convicted of killings innocent people either.
Recommend
It doesn’t even matter if they reciprocate or not, there has to be one side who is ready to let go off its EGO, its a great move , a good deed will never go in vain. Peace is the inevitable solution!
Recommend
Thank you…
Recommend
A very sensible gesture. A good step by PPP government.
Recommend
Pretty soon, the only minorities left in Pakistan will be the ones in the jail.
Recommend
@Patriotic:
thank you…. we are friends and also brothers
Recommend
Indians should think for a moment why we hate all our neighbours, is there something wrong with our ruling elite? They have been telling lies buying billion trillion dollar weapons and not investing a dime in Education and Healthcare.
Wakeup Call
Recommend
Thank You …
Recommend
@Khan101`:- yessir you are right to expect so and the goi should be quick to respond in kind – are there any pakistani fishermen or lower -level crime in indian jails – get ready to be freed !
Recommend
Dear Indians, On our independence day we have released 55 indian prisoners showing our big hearts. On your independence day, today, can please release our beloved Veena Malik as a goodwill gesture and return her to pakistan! Thank you!
Recommend
@Amer:
India has also freed Pakistani fishermen and other people on many occasions. This is a good move and we must advance to increase our friendship.
(-An Indian, seeking peace between us two neighbours)
Recommend
India has also freed Pakistani fishermen and other people on many occasions. This is a good move and we must advance to increase our friendship.
(-An Indian, seeking peace between us two neighbours)@Hafeez Pasha:
Recommend
Pakistanis always back it up the Shahid Afridi’s Big Hearted comment. We are the big hearts. The indians need to show that they are too sincere in moving ahead.
Recommend
Thank You!
And Happy Independence Day, to both countries.
Recommend
you’ve freed your own citizens, congrats! Yours all indians whether you like it or not. desi is desi everywhere, a name and religion changes nothing
Recommend
@Patriotic: So true when we are abroad we look for a desi . When i watch a cricket match between Pakistan and Australia i want Pakistan to win . If that be so why cant we have a peaceful relationship a loving one may be asking for the moon.
Recommend
@LionOfPunjab: L O L
Recommend
They look more healthy and happy than the Pakistani Hindus who recently migrated to India.
Recommend