KARACHI, Jan 9: The Sindh government on Tuesday released 115 Indian fishermen from Landhi jail as a goodwill gesture.

After announcing formal release of the fishermen by Sindh Home Adviser Waseem Akhtar, they were sent to Lahore from where they would be handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagha border.

The Ansar Burney Welfare Trust International had arranged transportation for the Indian fishermen.

Speaking at a ceremony at Landhi jail, the adviser said that the Indian authorities should also release Pakistani prisoners responding to Pakistan government's gesture and recalled that 50 Indian fishermen were released last month as well.

Mr Akhtar further told that 344 Indian fishermen were still languishing in Pakistani jails and added that arrangements were being made to release them and other foreign nationals including Bangladeshis.

When the adviser asked the Indian fishermen if they faced any hardships here, the Indian fishermen replied that they were treated well and thanked President Musharraf, home adviser and the jail administration.

Mr Akhtar asked the Indian fishermen to inform their authorities about the behaviour meted out by the Pakistani authorities.

“As a matter of fact, fishermen from both the sides were innocent as they do not know the territorial limits of India and Pakistan and are caught when they cross the limits unintentionally”, he said.

He directed the jail authorities to provide every possible medical facility to Indian fishermen. The adviser also distributed gifts among the released Indian fishermen.

IG Prisons, Sindh, Mohammad Yameen Khan, DIG (Colonel) Tariq, Jail Superintendent Shakir Shah and vice-chairman of Ansar Burney Trust, Sarim Burney were also present.—PPI