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Pakistan releases 196 Indian fishermen

Pakistan on Tuesday released 196 Indian fishermen caught by the their coast guard for straying into Pakistani waters, Indian High Commission officials said.

Pakistan fisheries officials also confirmed the Indian fishermen, along with 35 of their boats, have been released and would leave for India.

Almost all the released fishermen hailed from Gujarat.

The decision to release them was taken a fortnight ago, but was delayed as local officials were repairing the boats of Indian fishermen.

This is the first time that all Indian fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails have been released at a time.

Pakistani officials expected a reciprocal gesture for the release of 292 Pakistani fishermen caught by Indian Coast Guard officials for a similar offence.

"Our delegation will be leaving for India soon, as we are expecting the release of 292 fishermen and 21 boats as soon as possible," fisheries department officials said in Karachi, adding they hoped their release would come before the holy month of Ramadan.

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