14 Pakistanis released from Indian prisons return home via Wagah border

Security officials say individuals would undergo legal formalities before being sent to their homes

LAHORE:

Fourteen Pakistani citizens, who had completed their sentences in Indian prisons, were released and handed over to Pakistani authorities at the Wagah border on Friday.

The group comprised nine civilians and five fishermen. Indian officials handed them over to Pakistan Rangers Punjab at the border crossing.

The released civilians were identified as Muhammad Afaq, Faqir Hussain, Allah Basaya, Akbar Masih, Tariq Mehmood, Waseem, Raju, Allah Bachayo, and Gul Sher. The fishermen included Abdullah, Rajan, Saganjio, Ghulam Mustafa, and Samar.

Security officials stated that the individuals would undergo legal formalities before being sent to their homes. The fishermen will be transferred to Karachi.

A spokesperson for the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi confirmed ongoing efforts to secure the release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails.

Earlier this year, on July 1, Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s jails. Pakistan provided India with the names of 38 defence personnel and 452 civilians and fishermen imprisoned in India, while India shared the details of 452 Indians or alleged Indian nationals detained in Pakistan.

With the return of these 14 individuals, further repatriations are anticipated.