Paper work for release of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails complete: Burney

Indian authorities expected to release five Pakistani prisoners today.

KARACHI: Human Rights Activist Ansar Burney announced on Wednesday that paper work for the immediate release of five Pakistanis held by Indian authorities since three months has been completed.

The prisoners were reportedly taken into custody after an Iranian fishing boat carrying 18 people including five Pakistanis was captured by pirates last year. The passengers were freed by the Indian navy when it attacked the pirates on March 11, 2011.

However, five Pakistanis namely Sajjad Ali , Aurangzeb , Farhad , Lal Bakhsh and Mohammad Umar were detained by the Indian authorities. Burney is campaigning for the release of these five sailors.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities, on Wednesday, were expected to release 11 Pakistani prisoners who had been in Indian jails for several years. The prisoners will be handed over to Pakistani authorities at Wagha Border.