NEW DELHI, Dec 22: India on Friday released 54 Pakistani prisoners, but expressed disappointment over Islamabad's decision to reciprocate by releasing only 50 of the 412 Indian fishermen arrested for fishing in Pakistani waters.
The prisoners freed by India included 30 fishermen and 24 prisoners who had completed their jail term, the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement.
They were taken to Wagah border and handed to Pakistani Rangers, the statement said. On Saturday, Pakistan plans to hand over 70 prisoners to India, it said.
But India said Pakistan's decision to send home only 50 fishermen fell short of what was agreed by both sides last month.
“(Indian) Government has conveyed its disappointment to Pakistani authorities and expressed the hope that it will release all fishermen and eligible prisoners.”
The Indian prisoners, mostly fishermen, including 20 children, were released from the Landhi Jail and would be handed over on Saturday, a Pakistani official said.—Agencies
NEW DELHI, Dec 22: India on Friday released 54 Pakistani prisoners, but expressed disappointment over Islamabad's decision to reciprocate by releasing only 50 of the 412 Indian fishermen arrested for fishing in Pakistani waters.
