Pakistan announces release of 434 indian fishermen

GANDHINAGAR - Pakistan Friday announced the release of 434 Indian fishermen languishing in various jails in that country, according to an official.

Manish Lodhari, secretary National Fishworkers Forum, said from Porbandar that the announcement was made by the Pakistan government and conveyed to them by Mohammed Alisa, chairman of the Pakistan Fishworkers Forum, from Karachi in the afternoon.

Lodhari said that while further details were awaited, it can safely be presumed that the bulk of the fishermen languishing in Pakistani jails are from Gujarat.

The release follows initiatives by both countries after fishermen on both sides of the border decided to take things into their own hands. Thereafter, top legal luminaries in both countries decided to move in the matter.

According to a report, retired Justice Rajinder Sachar was slated to move the apex court for release of Pakistani fishermen held in India while former Pakistan law minister Iqbal Haider was to do likewise for Indian fishermen held in jails in his country.