India releases 12 Pakistani prisoners

At least 14 Pakistanis had completed their sentences in Indian jails but were not being released by authorities.

LAHORE: India handed over 12 Pakistani prisoners, who had completed their sentences, to Pakistani officials at Wagah border near Lahore on Tuesday, reported Express 24/7.

Fourteen Pakistani prisoners had completed their sentences but they were not being released by the Indian authorities. The Pakistan High Commission had been pursuing their cases for years but the mission’s efforts were restricted by lukewarm cooperation from India.

Among these prisoners are three fishermen, while one of the prisoners is mentally unstable. A man named Raju was reportedly denied clearance by Indian officials at the last moment and was not allowed to enter Pakistan.

Despite international obligations and bilateral agreements, concerns related to prisoners, their treatment under detention, timely intimation of arrest and repatriation have remained subject of discussion between the two sides, without significant results.

Charges against most prisoners are of illegal or inadvertent border crossing, visa violation and overstay.