Porbandar: The Pakistani government has released 22 Indian fishermen from Karachi’s Malir Jail and is expected to hand them over to India, as reported by a Pakistani daily. These fishermen are expected to arrive in India late Saturday night.

The fishermen were freed on Friday after completing their sentences, Malir Jail superintendent Arshad Shah told the media. These fishermen, mainly from the coastal areas of Gujarat, had been caught by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency after they unknowingly crossed into Pakistani waters.

Indian fishermen are usually repatriated through the Wagah border, from where they will return to their homes by train. Along with central officials, Gujarat officials have also reached the Attari-Wagah border to complete the formalities. The news of the fishermen’s release has brought joy to their families in coastal Gujarat.

As per the prisoner lists exchanged on January 1, Pakistan held 266 Indian prisoners, including 217 fishermen and 49 civilians, while India reported 462 Pakistani detainees, consisting of 381 civilians and 81 fishermen. DeshGujarat