Karachi fisherman who died in Indian jail buried after body returned

KARACHI: A 75-year-old Pakistani fisherman who died while in custody in India was laid to rest in Karachi on Saturday after his body was brought back to Pakistan, according to the details shared by his family and community representatives.

Ismail, son of Ibrahim, was buried at Mowach Goth cemetery after funeral prayers were offered at Badr Ground in Keamari. Family members, relatives and local residents attended the funeral, and the burial took place in an atmosphere of grief.

His son-in-law, Abdul Ghani, said Ismail worked as a fisherman and had gone to sea in 2021 on a fishing boat when the vessel was intercepted by the Indian Navy. He said the crew was then taken into custody and sent to a prison in India, where Ismail remained detained for years before dying during imprisonment. The family believes he died of natural causes because he had diabetes.

The body was handed over to Pakistani authorities at the Wagah border before being transported to Karachi. Separately, Coastal Media Centre spokesperson Kamal Shah said around 80 fishermen from Sindh are still being held in Indian jails.