Pakistan frees 337 Indian prisoners

August 23, 2013 03:47 pm | Updated June 02, 2016 05:48 am IST - Karachi

Pakistan on Friday released 337 Indian nationals, most of them fishermen, against the backdrop of tensions between the two countries over firing on the LoC.

An official of the Home Department of southern Sindh province said 329 prisoners were freed from Malir Jail while eight minors were released from the Youthful Offenders Home in Landhi.

“One Indian prisoner could not be released from Malir Jail as there were issues with (confirming) his nationality,” prison superintendent Shuja Haider told PTI .

Most of the Indians are fishermen arrested by the Maritime Security Agency for crossing into Pakistani waters near the disputed Sir Creek. All the prisoners have completed their jail terms.

Mr. Haider said the Indian prisoners were delighted to be going home. “They have been sent to Lahore in eight air-conditioned buses. They were provided food and cash by the government,” he said.

They will be handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Saturday.

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