KARACHI, Feb 25: Pakistan released on Tuesday 280 Indian fishermen and their 45 fishing boats on humanitarian grounds.

The Maritime Security Agency (MSA) ships apprehended Indian fishermen in Pakistan’s territorial waters for illegal fishing between January 2002 and May 8, 2002.

Adieu ceremony was held at the MSS Nazim (MSA ship) at the Karachi Port Trust. Indian High Commission First Secretary R.K Sharma and Captain Shahid Uzmat Wain, Commanding Officer of the MSS Nazim, were also present.

Mr Sharma said he got full cooperation from the Pakistan government and the Fisherman Cooperative Society (FCS) to facilitate the release of arrested Indian fishermen.

However, he avoided reply to newsmen’s question as to when India would release 92 Pakistani fishermen, lodged in Indian prisons since November 2001, and their eight boats.

Capt Wain said President Pervez Musharraf ordered the release of Indian fishermen before Dewali festivity as a good gesture but due to procedures and necessary documentation their return to India was delayed for six months.

He termed it another goodwill step of the Pakistan government to build confidence and for peace between both the countries.

“Now we are looking for the same from Indian side and hope soon they would release Pakistani fishermen.”

He said Pakistan did not want to apprehend fishermen, but they violate international rules and enter Pakistani territorial waters for illegal fishing. He urged them to avoid fishing in Pakistani waters and refrain from violating Pakistani sea limits.

He said the MSA was vigilant and made a record seizure of Indian boats involved in illegal fishing in Pakistani waters. The MSA was protecting rights of fishermen along Pakistani coast and safeguarding maritime interests of the country against illegal fishing.

Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) Director Haji Younis called for permanent solution of illegal fishing in Pakistani waters, and urged the Indian government to release Pakistani fishermen as soon as possible.

The 280 Indian fishermen were issued emergency travel documents at the MSS Nazim.—PPI

The latest release of Indian fishermen is the biggest since the release of around 400 in 1997, AFP adds.