New Delhi: In a humanitarian gesture from both sides, India and Pakistan on Monday released some prisoners of each other including fishermen ahead of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations of both countries.
While Pakistan, which observes Independence Day on August 14, is releasing 30 Indian prisoners, India repatriated seven Pakistani prisoners on Monday after having released another 14 Pakistani fishermen on August 7.
In a statement, the Pakistan government said, “The Government of Pakistan has decided to release 30 Indian prisoners, including 27 fishermen on August 13, 2018. This is a humanitarian gesture to mark Pakistan’s Indepe-ndence Day on August 14. This is in line with Pakistan’s consistent policy of not politicising humanitarian issues. It is our hope that the Indian side will also reciprocate in a similar manner.”
In a statement, India said, “Seven Pakistani civilian prisoners were repatriated today. Earlier, fourteen Pakistani fishermen were released and repatriated on August 7, 2018. India attaches high priority to addressing humanitarian issues including early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and prisoners in Pakistan’s custody. The release of 178 Indian prisoners, including 174 fishermen, has been secured in 2018, so far.”
