22 Indian fishermen set free
Indian fishermen queue to depart a railway station in Karachi on November 9, 2023, after their release by Pakistani authorities. PHOTO: AFP
The authorities on Friday released 22 Indian fishermen and handed them over to Indian authorities at the Wagah Border in Lahore.
The fishermen, released from the Landhi Jail, were transported to Lahore by bus. Three of the released fishermen are Muslims while rest are Hindus.
The authorities stated that the Indian fishermen were detained by Pakistani authorities had arrested the Indian fishermen for illegally fishing in Pakistani waters about three years back. They have been released on humanitarian grounds, the authorities said.
The Edhi Foundation has borne all travel expenses of the released Indian fishermen from Karachi to Lahore and also gave gifts to them while leaving.
In response to the Pakistani government's goodwill gesture, the Pakistani fishing community has called on the Indian government to release Pakistani fishermen who have been in Indian jails for years.
"Our families are deeply worried. They have been waiting for their loved ones for years," said Mehran Ali Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF).
Shah praised the Pakistani government's consistent humanitarian approach of releasing Indian fishermen.
"This is not the first time the Pakistani government has shown such a gesture. We hope the Modi government will respond in the same way and release our innocent fishermen at the earliest."
The PFF has been advocating for the rights of detained fishermen for over three decades, urging both governments to address the issue in accordance with the international law.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Bilawal slams Indian aggression at Chatham House, calls for global action
A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, engages with members of British think tank, academia, and policymaking community at the Chatham House in London on June 9, 2025. PHOTO: PPP Media Cell/X Listen to article A Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with British think tanks and policymakers at Chatham House in London on Monday. Chatham House is the UK's leading think tank, focusing on foreign and security policy issues. Bilawal and other members of the delegation presented Pakistan's perspective on the recent tensions in South Asia, expressing deep concern over India's unprovoked military aggression. 'India's unprovoked military actions pose a serious threat to regional stability,' he said. He added that India's actions are a clear violation of Pakistan's sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter. The delegation emphasised that Pakistan's armed forces, with the full support of the people, gave a strong response to Indian aggression. They further stated that the Pakistani military successfully thwarted India's attempts to establish a new so-called "normal" in the region. A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by former Foreign Minister and Chairman Pakistan's People Party, @BBhuttoZardari, engages with eminent members of British think tank, academia, and policymaking community at the prestigious @ChathamHouse in London. Read More:… — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 9, 2025 Bilawal strongly condemned India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that weaponising water violates international norms and sets a dangerous precedent. He urged the international community to take notice of this alarming development and hold India accountable for its actions. He also highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a core obstacle to lasting peace and stability in the region. Bilawal called on the global community to support meaningful dialogue and ensure adherence to international commitments and respect for human rights. The delegation included Musadik Malik, Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Khurram Dastgir, Faisal Sabzwari, Bushra Anjum Butt, Jalil Abbas Jilani, and Tehmina Janjua. Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Mohammad Faisal, was also present during the roundtable conference.
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Chinese defence stocks surge as Pakistan signals major arms deal: report
Shares of Chinese defence firms soared on Monday after Pakistan announced plans to acquire a significant package of military equipment from Beijing, including one of China's most advanced stealth fighter jets, according to a Bloomberg report. The government of Pakistan, in a social media post last Friday, said it would purchase 40 J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and HQ-19 ballistic missile defence systems. China's Ministry of Defence has not officially commented on the announcement. Bloomberg reported that AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company, which manufactures the J-35 fighter, surged by its 10 percent daily limit in Shanghai, marking the third straight session of gains. The rally extended to other defence companies, including Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co., which saw its shares rise as much as 15 percent. The rise in Chinese defence stocks comes amid growing confidence in the effectiveness of Chinese military hardware following recent border clashes between Pakistan and India. Last month, Pakistan claimed that its Chinese-supplied J-10C fighter jets were involved in successfully shooting down six Indian aircraft, including French-built Rafale jets. While India dismissed those claims and downplayed the performance of foreign-supplied weaponry, it later confirmed that it had lost an unspecified number of fighter jets in the early May conflict. Indian Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan acknowledged the losses during a May 31 interview, without providing further details. Military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours flared up in early May, with both sides reportedly engaging in air, drone and missile strikes, along with cross-border artillery and small-arms fire, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC). Previous reports had highlighted the effectiveness of Chinese-made platforms like the J-10C in active combat has significantly raised their credibility in the global arms market. According to Bloomberg, this latest deal would mark China's first-ever export of the J-35 stealth fighter, first publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. The inclusion of KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft is expected to substantially improve Pakistan's radar coverage, given the system's advanced electronic warfare capabilities and operational agility. The HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system would enhance Pakistan's air defence, particularly against ballistic missile threats. Defence analysts say the procurement reflects Pakistan's ongoing efforts to upgrade its military preparedness amid sustained regional volatility. At the same time, China continues to expand its influence as a global arms exporter by offering cutting-edge technology at relatively lower costs than its Western counterparts. Despite facing periodic scrutiny over corruption in its military-industrial complex, China has accelerated the development of advanced defence platforms. In December 2024, Beijing launched the world's largest next-generation amphibious assault ships, drawing international attention. Business Recorder also recently reported that Indonesia, traditionally reliant on military equipment from the United States and Russia, is now considering China's offer to sell J-10 fighter jets, signalling a shift in regional defence procurement trends. In a broader context, China's military-industrial progress appears to be part of a strategic vision to extend influence not just in the arms sector but also in dual-use domains. The J-35 sale, if confirmed, could further boost investor confidence in China's ability to compete in the high-end defence export market dominated by the United States and European powers. While formal details of the deal are still awaited, analysts say the announcement marks a milestone in Sino-Pakistan defence cooperation, with implications for both regional stability and global arms dynamics.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India blocks Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan for Guru Arjan Dev Ji anniversary
Listen to article In a move that has drawn criticism from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith harmony, the Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to participate in the annual martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. Despite this restriction, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organised a symbolic reception at Lahore's Wagah border on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the Sikh community and promoting interfaith harmony. The main ceremony marking Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, including India. According to the event schedule, the Indian pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9. However, ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the closure of the border led the Indian government to block its citizens from undertaking the pilgrimage. READ MORE: 20m Sikhs stand with Pakistan against Indian aggression, says Khalistan Movement leader Speaking at the symbolic reception, ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, committee members, Lahore's Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Hindu community representative Amarnath Randhawa, custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir's shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, and members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate interfaith unity. Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary events. 'Unfortunately, this year the Indian government has not only denied permission to its pilgrims but has also kept the Kartarpur Corridor closed,' Khokhar stated. 'In April, Pakistan issued 7,000 visas to Indian pilgrims for Vaisakhi celebrations. Our doors remain open to Sikh pilgrims. Despite strained relations, Pakistan has clearly stated that its doors are open to Indian Sikh pilgrims 24/7. We are hopeful that Indian Sikhs will visit Pakistan for the upcoming anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,' he added. READ MORE: Punjab minority minister, Sikh leaders condemn Indian drone attack on Nankana Sahib PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora strongly condemned the Indian government's decision, stating, 'Respecting religious freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of every country. Regrettably, India has undermined religious harmony and hurt the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims by preventing them from visiting Pakistan on Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom anniversary. The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor is part of the same policy.' He further emphasized that the Sikh community receives immense respect in Pakistan, where the government prioritizes the upkeep of Sikh religious sites. 'Pakistan is a true guardian of minority rights. India's actions—blocking Sikh pilgrims and keeping the Kartarpur Corridor shut—are unacceptable and provocative,' Arora remarked. He also criticized Indian media for its ongoing propaganda against Pakistan, saying, 'Pakistan continues to promote peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. The Kartarpur Corridor remains open from our side, and Indian Sikh pilgrims are welcome to visit at any time.' Previously, Arora has expressed deep gratitude to the global Sikh community for their strong show of solidarity with Pakistan and its armed forces amidst recent regional developments. READ MORE: Khalsa leader expresses solidarity with Pakistan In a statement issued, Arora lauded the unity and ideological clarity demonstrated by Sikhs across the world, saying, "The Sikh nation has once again proven that it does not compromise on the principles of peace, brotherhood and truth." He noted that Sikhs living in countries such as India, the United States, Canada, various European nations and Switzerland had shown unwavering support for Pakistan's stance. "This is a historic message that truth knows no borders," he added. The minister said that attempts by certain hostile elements to create discord within the Sikh community had failed.
