Pakistan frees 55 Indians for Independence Day
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.
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They look more healthy and happy than the Pakistani Hindus who recently migrated to India.
@LionOfPunjab: L O L
@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.
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
Thank You!
And Happy Independence Day, to both countries.
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.
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:
@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)
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!
@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 !
Thank You ...
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
@Patriotic: thank you.... we are friends and also brothers
Pretty soon, the only minorities left in Pakistan will be the ones in the jail.
A very sensible gesture. A good step by PPP government.
Thank you...
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!
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.
@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!
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!!
A very nice gesture. :)
Should be reciprocated.
Ameer, and the smile on the guy in the background :D
@ 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! :)
Needless to say, India DIDN'T release a single Pakistani prisoner yesterday on Pakistan's Independence Day!
Awesome News! Well done.
The smile on the guy's face is priceless! God bless India and Pakistan! :)
Lets release all prisoners from India, including those who may be prisoners since 65 war.
What do you expect from us? Release Kasab
Good Move, but why not 66 to have a more good gesture towards the independence day.
Certainly a great news. Kudos to Govt. for taking the initiative.
India should also reciprocate the same.. After all innocents should not be suffered by the mischievous policies/attitudes of the governments.. God Bless Humanity..
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.
Did they do the same yesterday?
generous stance of government of paksitan
brotherhood. love it
Bold and progressive.
change in a right direction, we appreciate it....
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!
This is an outstanding move, thank you for this great gesture.