Pak to release 100 Indian fishermen, 35 civilian prisoners

NEW DELHI: Pakistan will release 100 Indian fishermen and 35 civilian prisoners on Tuesday.The released people will be handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagah-Attari border.

"Pakistan government has decided to release 100 Indian fishermen and 35 civilian prisoners," Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Afrasiab told here.

He said the decision was taken in accordance with the joint statement issued after Indo-Pak Home Secretary-level talks on July 3-4 in New Delhi. In the joint statement, the two sides had agreed to release fishermen and civilian prisoners by August 15 as a humanitarian gesture.

This will be the third time that Indian fishermen are being released by Pakistan in nine months. Earlier, Pakistan had freed 50 fishermen and 20 civilian prisoners on December 23 last year, which was followed by release of 115 fishermen on January 10.

After tomorrow's release, about 300 Indian fishermen will continue to be in Pakistan's custody.