Top pick: UN rights chief Volker Türk urges Bangladesh's interim govt to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change

Pakistan releases 30 Indian prisoners ahead of I-Day

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 13 Aug 2018

Pakistan releases 30 Indian prisoners ahead of I-Day

Islamabad: The Pakistan government on Monday said it has released 30 Indian prisoners as a goodwill gesture ahead of the country' Independence Day.

Pakistan will celebrate its Independence Day on Aug 14.

Out of the 30 prisoners released by Pakistan, 27 are fishermen.

"The Government of Pakistan has decided to release 30 Indian prisoners, including 27 fishermen on 13 August 2018.This is a humanitarian gesture to mark Pakistan's Independence day on 14 August," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"This is in line with Pakistan's consistent policy of not politicizing humanitarian issues. It is our hope that the Indian side will also reciprocate in a similar manner," it said.

Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Ministry said seven Pakistan civilian prisoners were repatriated on Monday.

"Earlier, fourteen Pakistani fishermen were released and repatriated on 07 August 2018," read the Ministry statement.

"India attaches high priority to addressing humanitarian issues including early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and prisoners in Pakistan's custody," read the statement.

Release of 178 Indian prisoners, including 174 fishermen, has been secured in 2018, so far.