New Delhi’s decision to release only 88 of its detained fishermen has not gone down well with Pakistan, which has set free 113 Indian fishermen who were lodged in Karachi jail. On Thursday both India and Pakistan announced the release of detained fishermen as a goodwill gesture to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
During a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed India’s decision to release the fishermen so that they could be with their families for Ramadan.
Government sources in Islamabad told
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The official said Pakistan wants India to allow consular access to the 17 detainees, and initiate the release of the remaining nine, so that they can be home before Eid.
Indian officials however said only 88 of the detained fishermen were verified and are being released.
“In April this year Pakistan released 173 fishermen and 67 boats, the gesture was not reciprocated,” the Pakistani official said.
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