200 more Indian fishermen to be released from Pakistan’s jail today

• 200 Indian Fishermen to be Released by Pakistan Authorities, Second Batch to Return via Wagah Border
• Two Fishermen Deceased Prior to Release, Arrangements Made by Edhi Foundation
• Additional Batches Expected to be Released in June and July as per Agreement

A batch of 200 Indian fishermen, who were allegedly taken into custody for fishing illegally in the water of Pakistan, will be released from Karachi’s District Jail, Malir on Thursday. Notably, this will be the second batch of Indian fishermen to be set free by the Pakistani authorities.

At the Wagah border, the fishermen will be turned over to the Indian authorities. On July 3, it is most likely that the third batch of Indian fishermen will be released from Pakistani jail.

Earlier on May 12, as many as 198 Indian fishermen were liberated from Malir jail. It was first said that 200 fishermen will be released. However, only two days before they could be set free, two of them passed away– Zulfiqar on May 6 and Soma Deva on May 9. According to reports, both of them were unwell for some time.

Till the two bodies could be flown away to India, they were in the custody of the mortuary of the Edhi Foundation. Almost four and half years ago, Soma, his nephew and several dozen Indian fishermen were arrested from the sea. All of them were held captive in Pakistan’s Malir jail.

Soma, whose health was deteriorating inside the jail, had to be taken to the hospital for treatment almost two times. As per Malir Jail Superintendent Nazir Tunio, Zulfiqar lost his life after he suffered a massive heart attack.

Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Welfare Trust also said that several Indian fishermen also seemed quite weak and unwell. Notably, Edhi was the one who arranged the conveyance of all the Indian fishermen from Karachi to Lahore by train.  After an agreement was formed between the governments of the two countries, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum General Secretary Saeed Baloch said that another batch of Indian fishermen will be released in June and July.