Goodwill gesture: Government releases 57 Indian fishing boats

Following instructions from PM, special efforts were undertaken to ensure that boats are returned to owners

ISLAMABAD: The government decided on Saturday to release 57 Indian fishing boats that have been in Pakistan’s custody, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release stated.

Having released 150 Indian fishermen last year, the ministry announced that the government would be releasing 57 Indian fishing boats under its custody as a goodwill gesture.

Read: Pakistan to release 57 Indian fishing boats

According to the press release, an eight-member Indian delegation visited Karachi on March 9 to finalize preparations for the repatriation of boats with officials of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

While the PMSA had kept the boats in good condition, it extended full support to the visiting team in making the boats seaworthy after minor repairs.

Read: Indian delegation arrives in Karachi to release 57 fishing boats

Subsequently, the boats were towed to the maritime boundary today, where these were physically taken over by the Indian side.

Indian fishermen and boats are often apprehended by PMSA authorities when they violate Pakistan territorial waters. Usually the boats are not in seaworthy condition and are not returned.

However, following instructions from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to return these boats, special efforts were undertaken by the PMSA to ensure that the boats are returned to their owners.