Question : Fishermen Arrested by Pakistan

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether apprehending of Indian fishermen fishing in Indian waters by Pakistan keeps on surfacing and such incidents have happened this November as well in Gujarat;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the number of Indian fishermen apprehended and imprisoned in Pakistani jails till date; and

(c) the steps being taken to get such Indian fishermen released who are lodged in Pakistani prisons and the number of fishermen who got released during the last two years?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V.K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) As per available information, presently 341 Indian fishermen are believed to be in Pakistan’s custody, including those reportedly apprehended in November 2017. However, Pakistan has only acknowledged the custody of 253 Indian fishermen, so far.

(c) Government attaches high importance to the issue of fishermen and consistently takes up the issue of their early release and repatriation, including through diplomatic channels. With sustained diplomatic efforts Government has secured release of 410 and 508 Indian fishermen from Pakistan in the years 2016 and 2017 respectively. Recently, 146 Indian fishermen were released and repatriated on 8 January 2018.