Even as deadlock over talks continues between India and Pakistan, 40 Indian prisoners (five civil prisoners and 35 fishermen) crossed over to India through Wagah border on Saturday. These prisoners were released on Friday by Pakistan. The total number of Indian prisoners released during this year so far now is 191, which includes six civil prisoners and 185 fishermen.
Pakistani officials in India said that they hoped Pakistani fishermen and civil prisoners too will be released by India soon.
Officials said that on May 26 when he had come for the oath taking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif had directed release of 151 prisoners as a goodwill gesture.
“Pakistan has always held that the issue of prisoners between the two countries is a humanitarian one and should be taken in that spirit. It is our hope that the Government of India would release all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences,” the Pakistani High Commission said in a statement.
