Families demand release of Pakistani fishermen detained in Indian jails

KARACHI: Families of Pakistani fishermen languishing in Indian prisons have urged the government to secure the release of their loved ones, calling for immediate diplomatic efforts to bring them home.

Plea from desperate families

Relatives of the detained fishermen have made emotional appeals to Pakistani authorities, highlighting the prolonged detention of their family members in Indian jails. The fishermen, who were arrested after allegedly crossing maritime boundaries while fishing in the Arabian Sea, have been held in Indian custody for extended periods.

The families have expressed deep anguish over the continued incarceration of the fishermen, many of whom are the sole breadwinners of their households. They have demanded that the Pakistani government take up the matter with Indian authorities on a priority basis and negotiate their release and repatriation.

A longstanding humanitarian issue

The arrest and detention of fishermen from both Pakistan and India remains a recurring issue between the two neighbouring countries. Fishermen from both sides are frequently apprehended by maritime security forces for allegedly straying into each other's territorial waters. In many cases, these fishermen are poor and lack modern navigational equipment, making it difficult for them to determine exact maritime boundaries while at sea.

Despite completing their sentences, many Pakistani fishermen continue to remain in Indian jails due to delays in the verification and repatriation process. The families have pointed out that the prolonged detention causes severe economic hardship and emotional distress to the dependents left behind.

Calls for government intervention

The families have called upon the Pakistani government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite diplomatic channels for the release of the fishermen. They have also appealed to human rights organisations to highlight the plight of the detained fishermen and press for their early return.

The issue of detained fishermen has been raised in various bilateral discussions between Pakistan and India in the past. Both countries have periodically released fishermen as goodwill gestures, but the problem persists as new arrests continue to take place along the maritime boundary.

The families remain hopeful that diplomatic efforts will bear fruit and their loved ones will be reunited with them soon, but have stressed that the government must act with urgency given the humanitarian dimensions of the issue.