Sunday, March 27 2005 17:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan has arrested 72 Indian fishermen and seized their trawlers for allegedly fishing in Pakistani waters.

Reports from Karachi said today (March 27, 2005) that Maritime Security Agency (MSA) arrested 72 Indian fishermen last night. Their trawlers and some two tons of fish were also seized.

Islamabad had recently released 529 of the 802-odd Indian fishermen currently in Pakistan.

The latest capture will take the numbers of Indians languishing to 245.

Both countries are currently making efforts to release the fishermen in their captivity as a goodwill gesture.

Over 150 Pakistani fishermen are held in Indian prisons currently.