New Delhi: Out of 194 Indian fishermen currently imprisoned in Pakistan, 123 are from Gujarat. Out of these 123 fishermen from Gujarat: 33 fishermen were apprehended in 2021, 68 fishermen in 2022, 09 fishermen in 2023 and 13 fishermen in 2024. This information was provided by Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh in Rajya Sabha, while replying to a question raised by Member of Parliament  Parimal Nathwani regarding fishermen from India currently imprisoned in Pakistan.

As per the statement of the minister, India and Pakistan exchange lists of fishermen and civilian prisoners of each country, lodged in jails of the other, on 1st January and 1st July of every year. According to the lists exchanged on 01 January, 2025, Pakistan acknowledged the custody of 217 Indian fishermen. Since the exchange of these lists, 01 Indian fisherman passed away and 22 Indian fishermen were released and repatriated to India.

The minister’s answer states that the Government of India attaches the highest priority to the welfare, safety and security of Indian fishermen. As soon as cases of apprehension of Indian fishermen by Pakistan are reported, immediate steps are taken by the Indian Mission in Islamabad towards seeking consular access from the Pakistan Government and securing their early release and repatriation. All possible assistance, including legal assistance, is extended to the Indian fishermen. The matter of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen is consistently raised with the Pakistan Government and it is conveyed that this issue may be considered purely on humanitarian and livelihood grounds.

The ‘India-Pakistan Agreement on Consular Access 2008’ guides the process of release and repatriation of the fishermen arrested by Pakistan. The ‘India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners’ comprising retired High Court Judges from both sides to recommend steps for humane treatment of prisoners and fishermen and their expeditious release was setup in 2008 by the Governments of India and Pakistan. The committee had conducted 07 meetings so far.

Minister’s reply further states that the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India runs various flagship programs for the welfare of fishermen. The Government of Gujarat also runs a relief scheme to provide financial assistance to the family members of the detained fishermen. DeshGujarat