KARACHI, Oct 15: Fishermen detained by coastal authorities on alleged charges of illegal fishing should not be treated as ordinary criminals.

This was stated here by the Chairman of Fishermen Cooperative Society Commodore Syed Tayyab Naqvi while speaking at a coordination committee meeting at Karachi Fish Harbour.

The meeting was held to discuss modalities for repatriation of 196 Indian fishermen and 32 fishing boats. It was attended by officials of the Maritime Security Agency and FCS, head of visiting Indian delegation and a representative of fishermen body of India.

Mr Naqvi explained to the meeting the difficulties being faced by the fishermen and their families when in prison.

He was of the view that this problem be given a humanitarian consideration and fishermen of both the countries should not be treated as ordinary criminals.

Mr Naqvi suggested that the problem be solved in such a way that detained fishermen be repatriated in a short span of time which should not be more than 60 days from the date of their detention.

Mr Naqvi informed the delegation about the measures being taken by the FCS for the repair of 32 Indian boats, saying as soon as repair is completed, the fishermen would be allowed for home journey.

The leader of the Indian delegation, J.J. Parmar, highly appreciated the sentiments expressed by the FCS chief and said that efforts for a permanent solution were being made in India also.

Talking to Dawn, after inspecting the repair work of the damaged boats near Manora Island, Mr Paramar urged the fishermen of Pakistan and India not to fish beyond their sea waters.

He said scores of fishermen are arrested every year by the coastal authorities of both the countries on alleged charges of illegal fishing.

Consequently, they had to suffer, he said, adding they should better restrict their fishing activities in their respective national boundaries.

He was of the view that no country would allow violation of their sea waters, saying security demands that the fishermen should stop fishing in the sea limits of other countries.

In reply to a question, he said he was fully satisfied with the pace of repair work of damaged boats and hoped that it will be completed within 10 days. In this regard, he particularly lauded the cooperative attitude of the Maritime Security Agency (MSA).