KARACHI, Nov 24: The repatriation of 202 Pakistani fishermen and their boats from India has further been delayed till first week of next month.

Pakistani fishermen were scheduled to start return journey from Nov 27, but due to delay in the withdrawal of cases against these fishermen by Indian authorities, the deadline for their repatriation had been extended.

A 10-member delegation of Pakistani officials and fishermen, led by Haji Ghulam Ali, is already in Gujarat since Oct 22 for making arrangements for their return journey, including repair of boats and issuance of passports to the fishermen.

The Indian external affairs ministry has indicated that these fishermen might start their return journey from Dec 3 from Okha town.

They said Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi was however, trying to resolve the issue of cases against these fishermen as soon as possible to begin their repatriation from Nov 27. They said 13 out of 23 detained boats have been repaired while 10 are not in a position to carry fishermen.—APP