Caught in Troubled Waters: Appeal for the Release of Pakistani Fishermen

The families of 11 Pakistani fishermen detained by Indian authorities plead for their release. Many, including teenagers, allegedly crossed into Indian waters. This highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions over maritime boundaries impacting impoverished communities reliant on fishing for survival. Advocacy groups report a growing number of such arrests, slowing prisoner exchanges.

Eleven Pakistani fishermen, including two teenagers, have been detained by Indian maritime authorities, intensifying pleas from families for their release. The villagers, reliant on fishing for income, sought aid from Pakistan's government, urging diplomatic intervention.

Father of one detainee, Ahmed Brohi, emphasized their dire financial straits. "We are just poor fishermen," he lamented, calling on officials to expedite their release.

Fatima Majeed of the Sindh Fisheries Department highlighted the lack of clear maritime borders, often resulting in arrests when fishermen approach waters near India's Gujarat state. Tensions between the two nations have hindered prisoner exchanges, leaving many families in distress.

(With inputs from agencies.)