All Gujarat fishermen in Pakistan jail to be released, but no clarity over their boats

Ahmedabad, 6 September 2012

All fishermen locked in Pakistan jail will be released by Pakistan. This was announced by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani today. It should be mentioned that Indian foreign minister S.M.Krishna is on Pakistan visit.

Paksitan has announced release of fishermen as a goodwill gesture for External Affairs Minister S M Krishna’s visit.

“All Indian fishermen have been released — those who have completed their jail terms and those who are still serving,” Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said at a joint press conference with her visiting Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna.

Mr. Krishna thanked the Pakistan government for the “wonderful gesture” of releasing all Indian fishermen. “I hope their boats and trawlers are also released,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the announcement in this regard was made by Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik after signing the new liberalized visa agreement with Krishna.

Over 80 Indian fishermen were in Pakistani jails while some 120 Pakistani fishermen were in Indian jails.

Last month also, Pakistan had freed 55 Indian fishermen as a “goodwill gesture” on the occasion of India’s Independence Day.

Meanwhile fishermen in Gujarat have demanded that while this gesture is good, Pakistan should also send back the boats of Indian fishermen seized b Pakistan Marine Security Agency. Gujarat fishermen also have expressed view that both countries should come at permanent solution on this issue.

Gujarat Congress in a statement welcomed this development and said that Congress party and central foreign minister are determined for return of fishing boats from Paksitan.