Monday, March 21 2005 16:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan's maritime officials today (March 21, 2005) arrested 24 Indian fishermen for illegally entering into its territorial waters.

The fresh arrest took place even as Pakistan was gearing up to handover 529 Indian fishermen languishing in various jails in Karachi to Indian authorities.

Officials in Karachi said the 24 Indian fishermen have been arrested along with their boats for entering into Pakistan waters.

Earlier in the day, bad weather delayed the much-expected handover of 568 Indian prisoners including fishermen at the Wagah border from Pakistan and it was likely to take place tomorrow.

The 529 fishermen and four civilians were released from Karachi prison yesterday (March 20).