(a) whether Pakistan have arrested 38 Indian fishermen for allegedly straying into its waters in the Arabian Sea; and
(b) if so, the details thereof including the steps taken by the Government in the matter?
(a) whether Pakistan have arrested 38 Indian fishermen for allegedly straying into its waters in the Arabian Sea; and
(b) if so, the details thereof including the steps taken by the Government in the matter?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (Shri U.V. Krishnam Raju)
(a) As per available information, there are 302 Indian fishermen detained in Pakistan at present.
(b) As a result of efforts made by Government, Pakistan has agreed to release 844 Indian fishermen. Consular access has also been provided by Pakistan to another 76 fisherman apprehended in March this year. It is expected that these Indian fishermen would shortly return to India. Our efforts at securing the early release of the remaining Indian fishermen in Pakistani custody will continue.