KARACHI (Web Desk) – Pakistan on Sunday released 87 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture amid tensions and officials said a similar number would be freed later this month, local media reported.
The fishermen were freed from Malir jail in the southern port city of Karachi.
“We have total 536 Indian fishermen in prison and today we released 87 of them while 86 more will be released on 20th of this month,” deputy superintendent of Karachi’s Landhi prison, Shakir Shah, told AFP.
Shah said those released Sunday had been in jail for more than two and half years. They were freed after verification of their travel documents sent by Indian authorities.
The Indians boarded a train to Lahore in a journey arranged by Pakistan’s Edhi foundation, a private charity.
Edi foundation officials said they gave the Indians gifts and other necessities for their journey.