(a) whether a large number of Indian fishermen are languishing in Pakistani jails;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether the Government have made any efforts to get them released; and
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(a) whether a large number of Indian fishermen are languishing in Pakistani jails;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether the Government have made any efforts to get them released; and
(d) if so, the details thereof;
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)
(a&b) As per available information, there are 196 Indian fishermen currently detained in Pakistan. They were apprehended by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency in March-April, 2001.
(c&d) As a result of Government`s consistent efforts, Government of Pakistan has agreed on 26.6.2001 to release these 196 fishermen along with their boats. Government of Gujarat, Deptt. of Fisheries has been advised to constitute a delegation of Government officials/boat owners who could visit Pakistan to check the sea-worthiness of boats and to have these repaired, if needed, to facilitate their early repatriation.