In a gesture of goodwill, 22 Indian fishermen were released from Malir Jail in Karachi and sent to the Wagah Border for repatriation to India. The fishermen, who had been detained for crossing into Pakistani waters, were escorted to the border by bus, with all travel expenses covered by the Edhi Foundation.
The fishermen’s release underscores the frequent maritime boundary violations in the waters between India and Pakistan, where the absence of a clearly marked boundary and lack of navigational tools for small fishing boats lead to accidental crossings. Despite the humanitarian efforts, the process of securing the release of detained fishermen remains long and complex due to the often strained relations between the two nations.
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Hundreds of fishermen from both sides are arrested annually by the Coast Guards of India and Pakistan, and their repatriation requires lengthy negotiations and bureaucratic hurdles. Organizations like the Edhi Foundation continue to play a crucial role in providing support and ensuring the safe return of these fishermen to their families.