25 Pakistani Fishermen Released from Indian Jails Reunite with Families After Returning Home

Emotional homecomings in Karachi, Thatta and other areas as fishermen thank Pakistan government and diplomatic officials for facilitating their release and repatriation

LAHORE — Nazrana Times |

By Ali Imran Chattha

Twenty-five Pakistani fishermen recently released from Indian jails have reached their homes and reunited with their families following their repatriation through the Wagah-Attari border.
The fishermen entered Pakistan on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after being released from Indian custody. Officials from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi facilitated the repatriation process and assisted in their return to Pakistan.
After arriving at Wagah, the fishermen underwent the required verification and administrative procedures, including confirmation of their identities and Pakistani citizenship.

Once the formalities were completed, the returnees were handed over to the relevant authorities for onward travel. District administrations subsequently facilitated their transportation to their respective hometowns.

Emotional Reunions With Families

The fishermen were warmly welcomed upon reaching their homes, where relatives and family members had gathered to receive them after a long period of separation.
Emotional scenes were witnessed as the returning fishermen reunited with their loved ones, bringing an end to years of uncertainty for some of the families.
The fishermen expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistani diplomatic officials for pursuing their cases and facilitating their journey home.
According to the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (FCS), the released fishermen included residents of Karachi and Thatta. The society welcomed their return and expressed hope that they would now be able to resume their normal lives and livelihoods with their families.

Some Fishermen Spent Years in Indian Prisons

The latest repatriation has once again drawn attention to the longstanding humanitarian issue of Pakistani and Indian fishermen detained after allegedly crossing the maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea.
Because fishermen operating at sea can cross maritime boundaries during fishing operations, arrests on both sides have remained a recurring issue between Pakistan and India.
Some of the latest returnees had reportedly spent several years in Indian prisons.
Among them was Mahboob Ali, a fisherman from Badin, who reportedly returned home after spending around four years in an Indian jail.

Pakistan Pledges Continued Efforts for Remaining Prisoners

The Pakistan High Commission has reiterated that diplomatic and humanitarian efforts will continue for the release and repatriation of Pakistani citizens still detained in Indian prisons, particularly those who have completed their sentences and whose Pakistani nationality has been confirmed.
The return of the 25 fishermen has brought relief to their families and communities while once again highlighting calls for a humanitarian approach to the detention and repatriation of fishermen on both sides of the Pakistan-India maritime boundary.