Pak announces release of 100 Indian fishermen as 'goodwill gesture'

Islamabad, Dec.23 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced the release of 100 Indian fishermen, who were apprehended by Pakistani authorities for violating the country's maritime limits.

According to sources Gilani has instructed the Interior Ministry to make necessary arrangements for their repatriation to India, which would take place on December 24.

Jails Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mumtaz Burney confirmed the release of 100 Indian fishermen, saying that the decision was made by the government as a 'goodwill gesture.'

"All these fishermen were arrested by Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency (MSA) for fishing illegally inside the exclusive economic zone of Pakistan despite being cautioned repeatedly to abide by maritime limits, but they continued the violation by exploring Pakistani fisheries resource at the mouth of Indus Delta," The Daily Times quoted Burney, as saying. (ANI)