Impending Handover: 315 Indian fishermen to be freed

KARACHI: Pakistan is expected to release 315 Indian fishermen held in various jails of Karachi on Wednesday. The fishermen, arrested by maritime authorities, will be handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border. Official jail authorities report that with the release of prisoners the number of Indian fishermen lodged in Malir prison would decrease to 123. Whereas 23 of the 315 prisoners expected to be released were held at the Youthful Offenders School for juvenile convicts. Sindh Law Minister Ayaz Soomro had earlier announced the release of Indian prisoners after his visit to the Youthful Offenders School. It is hoped that Indian authorities will reciprocate this initiative undertaken by Pakistan, Soomro added.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2012.