Islamabad on Thursday voiced its concerns with regards to the alleged detention of Pakistani seamen in Gujarat by Indian authorities, adding that international law states that any person found in danger at sea must be treated humanely.
"The reports are that a Panamian vessel, MV Aymen, was proceeding to Pipavav, India, for ship-breaking on April 2, but sank off the coast. Ten Pakistani and five Yamani seamen survived, and have since been in Gujarat, India. Our High Commission has approached the Indian government for ensuring security and well being as well as early repatriation of our seamen to Pakistan," Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs official spokesperson Tasneem Aslam told the media.
"We have also learnt that the Pakistani seamen have been kept at a police station, and denied access to proper lodging. This is a matter of serious concern. If true, it is against international law and all established norms. International law requires every State to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger and to treat them humanely. Our concerns in this regard have also been conveyed to the Indian side," she added.
With regards to the recent incident involving the apprehension of a boat with narcotics by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard off the coast of Gujarat, Aslam said that despite a request for India to officially confirm the report, none has been received.