Pakistan to free 360 Indian prisoners within days

Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday said it will release 360 Indian prisoners on humanitarian basis upon completion of their sentences from April 8.

Speaking at a weekly news briefing, foreign office spokesperson Mohammed Faisal said there were 537 Indian prisoners in Pakistan serving their sentences.

“Of these, 483 are fishermen and 54 civilians,” he said. Giving breakup of the release, the foreign office spokesperson said 100 fishermen will be released on Monday with another batch of 100 fishermen on April 15.

It will be followed by the release of additional 100 fishermen on April 22. Dr Faisal said the last batch of 60 Indian prisoners, comprising 5 fishermen and 55 civilians, will be set free on April 29.

The foreign office spokesperson said 347 Pakistani prisoners were incarcerated in Indian jails, which comprise 249 civilians and 98 fishermen. He expressed optimism that India will reciprocate Pakistan’s goodwill gesture.

Foreign office spokes-person Mohammed Faisal reiterated Pakist-an’s commitment that it will complete its side of Kartarpur Corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak later this year.

The foreign office spokesperson regretted that India postponed the Kartapur meeting earlier this week which was crucial in moving forward.

He said Indian side had expressed willingness to attend a technical level meeting on the issue on the 15th and 16th of this month, which will hopefully set the pace for further talks.

Foreign office spokesperson Mohammed Faisal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment that it will complete its side of Kartarpur Corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak later this year.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan will never accept the repeal of Article 370 of the Indian constitution which guarantees special status for Kashmir.

He said Kashmiri people will also not allow this to happen ever. Besides violating the rights of Kashmiris, it will also contravene the relevant UNSC resolutions.

Dr Faisal said the issue of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav was in international court of justice. He said India has yet to give any reply to our question of Jadhav’s passport.

When asked about the US approval of selling anti-submarine helicopters to India, the Foreign Office spokesperson termed it an alarming development and said the move will accelerate arms race in the region. He said Pakistan wanted to work for peace but it is not oblivious to its defense either.

Replying to another question, Dr Faisal said Pakistan was taking various steps under National Action Plan in its own interest.