Pakistan releases 30 Indian prisoners in Independence Day spirit

Indian fishermen arrested for crossing into Pakistani territory, make their way to Lahore railway station to return to India, in Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 13, 2018. (K.M. CHAUDARY/AP)

Pakistani girls see off their Indian relatives traveling to neighboring India at Lahore railway station in Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 13, 2018. (K.M. CHAUDARY/AP)

Indian fishermen arrested for crossing into Pakistani territory, walk at Lahore railway station prior to returning to India, in Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 13, 2018. (K.M. CHAUDARY/AP)

• The prisoners, including 27 fishermen, were released as a humanitarian gesture to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day on Aug. 14
• Pakistan and India frequently arrest fishermen as there is no clear demarcation of the maritime border in the Arabian Sea

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan released 30 Indian prisoners from jail as a humanitarian gesture and handed them over to the Indian authorities, on Monday, at Wagah Border near Lahore.
“The Government of Pakistan has decided to release 30 Indian prisoners, including 27 fishermen. This is a humanitarian gesture to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day on Aug. 14,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Pakistan maintains a “consistent policy of not politicizing humanitarian issues,” added the foreign ministry.
“It is our hope that the Indian side will also reciprocate in a similar manner,” the statement said.
Pakistan and India frequently arrest fishermen as there is no clear demarcation of the maritime border in the Arabian Sea and most of the fishermen do not have boats equipped with the technology to know their precise location.