Information given in Rajya Sabha in reply to Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani’s question
As a result of the continuous efforts of the Government of India, 2661 Indian fishermen have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014.
This information was given in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirtivardhan Singh, while replying to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani regarding the fishermen from Gujarat who have been released from Pakistani jails in the last three years.
The Minister said that during the calendar year 2025, so far 18 fishermen from Gujarat have been released from Pakistani jails, while on January 1, 2025, an estimated 123 fishermen from Gujarat were imprisoned in Pakistani jails. While in the calendar year 2024, not a single fisherman from Gujarat was released from Pakistani jails, before which 432 fishermen were released in 2023.
Elaborating on this, the Minister further mentioned that the Government of India accords utmost priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. As soon as incidents of arrest of Indian fishermen by Pakistani authorities are reported, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad takes immediate action to obtain consular access from the Government of Pakistan. During consular access, officials of the Indian High Commission visit Indian/presumed Indian fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails to ascertain their well-being and distribute essential items to them. All possible assistance including legal assistance for the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen, including release of their boats, is being provided to them.
This issue is constantly being raised with the Pakistani government, which shows that this issue should only be considered on the basis of humanity and efforts to earn a living.
India and Pakistan exchange lists of fishermen and civilian prisoners in each other’s jails on January 1 and July 1 every year. As per the lists exchanged on January 1, 2025, Pakistan admitted to having 217 Indian/presumed Indian fishermen in its custody.
After the exchange of these lists, it is estimated that one Indian fisherman has died and 22 Indian fishermen have been released and repatriated to India by March 2025. Out of the remaining 194 Indian/presumed Indian fishermen currently imprisoned in Pakistan, 123 fishermen are believed to be Gujaratis. Out of these 123, 33 fishermen were released in 2021; 68 fishermen in 2022; 0 fishermen in 2023; and 13 fishermen were arrested in 2024.
Also Read: Govt Data Reveals Over 200 Indian Fishermen Detained in Pakistan Custody https://www.vibesofindia.com/govt-data-reveals-over-200-indian-fishermen-detained-in-pakistan-custody/
