Islamabad: Pakistan on September 9 released 42 of the remaining 74 fishermen languishing in its jails since 2002 for allegedly venturing into its waters.

They were part of a group of 343 fishermen, of whom 269 were released on September 4. on September 8, 16 Sikh youth, who had crossed into Pakistan illegally, were also set free.

The batch released on September 9 had started repairing their 18 fishing boats and would be sent home as soon as the work was completed, state-run APP news agency quoted officials as saying in Karachi, where the fishermen were released.

The remaining 32 fishermen would be also set free shortly after the completion of their travel document requirements, the officials said.

They added that another five boats belonging to Indian fishermen, which were berthed in three coastal towns of Balochistan, would also be sent along with the 18 boats in the coming days.

Pakistan officials hoped India would initiate steps to release 93 Pakistani fishermen who are reportedly imprisoned in Gujarat along with nine of their boats, the report said.

Besides the 32 Indian fishermen still in custody, 46 more Indians are still in various prisons in Pakistan. Indian officials said Pakistan has promised they would be released after their identification process was completed.

PTI