India has released 67 Pakistani prisoners and handed them over to Pakistani authorities at the Wagah-Attari border. The group includes 53 fishermen and 14 civilians who had been in Indian jails for varying periods of time.
Many of them had been imprisoned for years, with most belonging to Karachi and different coastal areas of Sindh.
According to officials, a majority of the fishermen were arrested after accidentally crossing into Indian waters. Such incidents usually happen when boats drift off course due to rough sea conditions or technical faults in their equipment.
Once arrested, these fishermen often face long legal procedures, which extend their stay in prison despite being minor offenders.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi played an important role in securing their release. First Secretary Tariq Masroor was particularly active in the negotiations and coordination efforts that finally led to the safe return of these individuals.
Families of the prisoners expressed relief and gratitude after years of waiting to reunite with their loved ones.
While this release has been welcomed, officials in Pakistan have pointed out a large imbalance in the exchange of prisoners between the two countries. In the last five years, Pakistan has released nearly 600 Indian prisoners, while India has freed only around 200 Pakistani nationals since 2021.
Observers believe that both governments should work toward faster and more consistent mechanisms for handling cases of accidental border crossings. Human rights groups also emphasize the importance of treating fishermen and civilians with compassion, as they are not involved in hostile acts.
