KARACHI: Pakistani authorities have released 22 Indian fishermen from Karachi’s Malir Jail, beginning their repatriation process on Friday, as confirmed by a police official.

  Arshad Shah, the superintendent of Malir Jail, confirmed that the fishermen began their journey back to India once the necessary formalities from the Indian side were completed. He emphasised that Pakistan strives to ensure that prisoners are kept in good conditions and that they are released promptly upon receiving the required directives.

Faisal Edhi, chairman of the Edhi Foundation, arranged transportation for the fishermen to Lahore, from where they will continue their journey back to India.  The Edhi Foundation covered their travel expenses and provided them with gifts and cash. Edhi also urged both governments to adopt a more compassionate approach toward fishermen who unintentionally cross maritime boundaries.

He stressed the suffering of their families during their prolonged incarcerations and called for their immediate release and swift repatriation once their sentences are completed. Typically, Pakistani authorities repatriate Indian fishermen through the Wagah border, where Indian authorities facilitate their return to coastal communities after completing official formalities.