Pakistan on Sunday has released 20 Indian fishermen from Karachi jail who had completed their sentences. ARY News quoted jail official Arshad Shah as saying that the fishermen were awarded four-year jail term and they have completed their sentences. They were arrested for entering the Pakistani territory while fishing.

"Indian authorities have confirmed about the Indian nationality of these fishermen," Shah said.

"All legal formalities have been completed for their release from jail. They are being released immediately from prison as a goodwill gesture," he added.

The fishermen will be taken to Lahore and then handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagah Border crossing.

According to a report in Dawn, all the releases fishermen said that they have been treated very well by the jail staff with whom they also made friends.

“The food served to us was exceptionally delicious. We would get chicken dishes three times a week, eggs every morning with paratha, toast and great tea. “But our favourite dish in jail will have to be karhi-pakora,” Himat Balal Babu,a fisherman was quoted as saying.

Another fisherman, Ravendra, said he was glad to be leaving for home now but was sad about leaving behind several other Indian fishermen in jail for also having crossed over to Pakistan unknowingly like him. 

“Please release them also so that they can be with their families,” he pleaded. He also said he will also ask the authorities in India to release the Pakistani fishermen languishing in Indian jails for years for the same offence.

"There are 588 Indian prisoners in Malir Jail serving various jail terms," Shah said (SAM)