Islamabad: The 100 Indian fishermen whose
release was ordered by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gilani as a humanitarian gesture will leave for India on Saturday
via the Wagah land border, diplomatic sources said today.
Gilani had directed the interior ministry to make
arrangements for the fishermen to be sent back by Christmas
Eve.
However, the verification of identity and preparation
of travel documents could not be done by the Indian High
Commission as Pakistani authorities provided a complete list
of the fishermen only on Wednesday.
Nine juveniles are among the 100 fishermen being
repatriated, officials said.
The fishermen left Malir Jail in Karachi for Lahore
today.
The travel expenses of the fishermen are being borne
by the NGO Committee for the Welfare of Women Prisoners Legal
Aid Office.
The NGO also plans to give Rs 200 to each fisherman.
The fishermen will be taken to the Wagah border in
buses and handed over to Indian authorities tomorrow,
representatives of the NGO said.
PTI
