LAHORE: India on Thursday released two Pakistani prisoners from their jail, while Pakistan also committed to releasing at least 300 Indian fishermen who are currently residing in its jails.
According to the details broadcasted by local media outlets, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) handed over the two Pakistani citizens, Mohammad Shafiq from Bahawalnagar and Mohammad Hanif from Karachi, to Wagah border officials after the completion of their sentences.
The Pakistani high commissioner reportedly played a crucial role in securing their release.
The two neighbouring countries exchange a list of prisoners every year on January 1, as per a mutual decision that was taken on May 21, 2008. According to the list this year, various jails in India had 347 Pakistani prisoners while Pakistan had 537 Indian prisoners in jail.
Diplomatic sources said that Pakistan will release Indian fishermen in two phases in which 100 men would be released on April 7, while the remaining 200 would follow in the next few days.
It is pertinent to note that Pakistan had also released 102 prisoners in February this year.
