LAHORE, Jan 3: Authorities on Monday night bought 266 Indian fishermen from Karachi to Lahore for their further transportation to their motherland.

Pakistan has set free the fishermen from Karachi prisons as part of the bilateral talks with India.

Those being released were among others caught by the Pakistani authorities on charges of illegally entering into its waters. The 266 Indians arrived by Khyber Mail at Lahore Railway Station.

Edhi Foundation coordinator M. Sibghatullah told Dawn that the fishermen would be handed over to the Punjab government and they would be locked at the Kot Lakhpat Jail until their documents were prepared by the Indian High Commission.

Fifteen Edhi volunteers accompanied the Indians on board the train, and all of their expenditure are also being borne by the foundation, he added. "I hope they (the fishermen) will cross into their homeland via Wagah border on Tuesday (today) evening or Wednesday morning."