‘123 Guj fishermen among 194 Indians in Pakistan’s custody’

Gandhinagar: The Union govt said in the ongoing Parliament session said that out of 194 Indian fishermen currently imprisoned in Pakistan, 123 are from Gujarat. The information was provided in the Rajya Sabha by Union minister of state for external affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, while replying to a question raised by MP Parimal Nathwani regarding fishermen from India currently imprisoned in Pakistan.
Providing details, the minister said that of the 123 fishermen from Gujarat who are presently in Pakistani custody, 33 were apprehended in 2021, 68 fishermen in 2022, nine fishermen in 2023, and 13 fishermen in 2024.
As per the statement of the minister, India and Pakistan exchange lists of fishermen and civilian prisoners of each country, lodged in jails of the other, on Jan 1 and July 1 every year. According to the lists exchanged on Jan 1, 2025, Pakistan acknowledged the custody of 217 Indian fishermen. Since the exchange of these lists, 1 Indian fisherman passed away and 22 Indian fishermen were released and repatriated to India.
The minister further added in his reply that as soon as cases of apprehension of Indian fishermen by Pakistan are reported, immediate steps are taken by the Indian Mission in Islamabad towards seeking consular access from the Pakistan govt and securing their early release and repatriation. All possible assistance, including legal assistance, is extended to the Indian fishermen.