NEW DELHI – The Indian government has decided to release 39 Pakistanis currently languishing in Indian jails, The Time of India (TOI) reported.
These included 21 prisoners who have completed their sentence announced by Indian courts and 18 fishermen.
“We have identified these prisoners and with Pakistan confirming their nationality, they will be released on March 1,” said an official source to TOI.
The announcement followed a goodwill gesture of Pakistan Army regarding repatriation of a Indian Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chohan who willfully crossed Line of Control (LOC).
He was handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah Border on humanitarian grounds on January 21 this year.
It may be mentioned here that Pakistan high commissioner to India Abdul Basit had also urged India to acknowledge the Chavan’s repatriation and release 33 Pakistan nationals who were in Indian jails despite having completed their sentence.
