Twenty-five Pakistani nationals who had been imprisoned in India have returned home through the Wagah-Attari border, marking another repatriation of Pakistani citizens held across the border. The return took place on Saturday, August 29, with officials from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi present to facilitate the process.
According to reports, the returning group included 25 Pakistani fishermen, with the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society stating that they belonged to Karachi and Thatta. Many Pakistani and Indian fishermen are detained after accidentally crossing the poorly marked maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea.
After crossing into Pakistan, the returnees completed the required immigration and administrative procedures before being handed over to Pakistani authorities. Reports said some of the returning prisoners became emotional after reaching Pakistani soil and offered prayers in gratitude.
The repatriation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and India to resolve cases involving prisoners and fishermen. Under their 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, both countries exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year.
In the latest exchange on July 1, India provided details of 439 Pakistani or presumed Pakistani prisoners, including 386 civilians and 53 fishermen. Pakistan provided details of 250 Indian or presumed Indian prisoners in its custody.
The Pakistan government has said it will continue diplomatic efforts to secure the release and repatriation of all eligible Pakistani nationals still imprisoned in India.
