Over 350 Indian prisoners, released from Pakistan jails, were repatriated on Saturday through the Attari-Wagah land border crossing.
A total of 362 Indian nationals, including eight juveniles, were repatriated after Emergency Travel Certificates were issued to them by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, officials said. The juveniles were released from the Youthful Offenders Home in Landhi, while the prisoners were freed from Malir jail of Karachi.
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, hailing from Gujarat, have completed their jail terms. The Indian fishermen kissed the soil after crossing over the border.
The fishermen, however, were disappointed that their boats were not returned to them. Pakistan's goodwill gesture came at a time when tensions are running high between the two countries over firing along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Both sides have accused accused each other of violating the 2003 truce on the ceasefire line.
Bilateral ties were hit after five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by Pakistani troops two weeks ago. The Pakistan Army said on Friday two of its soldiers were killed in firing by Indian forces.
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