Pakistan has released 220 Indian fishermen out of the 518 fishermen, who were arrested for allegedly entering and fishing in Islamabad's territorial waters and will release the other 219 on January 5 next year.
This goodwill gesture is seen as a step to improve the current tense situation between the two Asian neighbours arising due to recent cross border terror activities and also the release coincides with Christmas and birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan.
The freed Indian fishermen will be handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagah Border in Lahore, local media reports said.
The Pakistan authorities decided to release the fishermen after confirming their national status with the Indian Government.
Giving details, Shunail Hussain Shah, Assistant Superintendent of Police Malir Jail, informed that the step has been taken under the treaty between two nations and added that the other 219 fishermen will be released in second phase on January 5, 2017.
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