Sat Feb 22 04:51:06 UTC 2025: ## 22 Indian Fishermen Released by Pakistan, Set to Return Home
**Islamabad, February 22, 2025** – Twenty-two Indian fishermen imprisoned in Karachi’s Malir Jail have been released by Pakistani authorities and are expected to be repatriated to India today. The fishermen, who completed their sentences, were freed on Friday, according to Malir Jail superintendent Arshad Shah. Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Foundation facilitated their travel to Lahore, covering their expenses and providing gifts and cash. Mr. Edhi appealed to both Indian and Pakistani governments for a more compassionate approach towards fishermen who inadvertently cross maritime boundaries, highlighting the hardship faced by their families. Repatriation will occur through the Wagah border, with Indian authorities handling the final stages of their return. This release follows an exchange of prisoner lists on January 1st, which indicated 266 Indian prisoners in Pakistan, including 217 fishermen. The ongoing issue of fishermen crossing poorly demarcated maritime boundaries continues to lead to regular arrests by both countries.
First Piper 