50 Indian fishermen released from jail

Karachi: Pakistan authorities yesterday released 50 Indian fishermen languishing in a Karachi jail, a day after India set free 43 Pakistani prisoners.

The 50 Indian fishermen, aged between 23 and 45 years, were arrested for entering Pakistani waters illegally during 2005 and 2006.

Anwar Mustafa, deputy superintendent of Karachi's Malir jail, from where these fishermen were released, said they would be taken to the Wagah border crossing amid tight security. They will be handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagah today.

Minor crimes

Officials said the fishermen were released as a goodwill gesture, and added that some 400 Indians were still languishing in Pakistani prisons.

A day earlier, New Delhi handed over 43 Pakistani prisoners, including 10 fishermen and two women. They were convicted for minor crimes.

An estimated 513 Pakistani nationals, including 50 fishermen and 463 civilians, are still held in various Indian jails.