22 Indian fishermen released from Pakistan jail reach Gujarat

Indian fishermen released from Pakistan's Karachi jail express happiness on returning to Gujarat, urging government for others' release.

Twenty-two Indian fishermen released from Pakistan's Karachi jail reached Gir Somnath in Gujarat on Tuesday (February 25, 2025) and expressed happiness on being able to return to their country.

They also urged the government to expedite the release of several other Indian fishermen still languishing in the neighbouring country's jails.

The 22 fishermen were apprehended by Pakistan's marines security agency between April 2021 and December 2022 while fishing near the maritime boundary in the Arabian sea off Gujarat. About 195 fishermen were still languishing in Pakistani jails, Assistant Director Of Fisheries, Veraval, V.K. Gohel said.

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Of the 22 fishermen who have been released, 18 are from Gujarat, three from Diu in the neighbouring Union Territory, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

The Gujarat government in a statement said Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel had requested the Centre for their release.

The fishermen reached Vadodara via train Monday evening after being handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah Border a few days back, Mr. Gohel said. From Vadodara, they reached Veraval in Gir Somnath district by a bus on Tuesday, Mr. Gohel said. Upon reaching Vadodara, the fishermen expressed happiness over returning to their country.