ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced Friday that authorities will release 360 Indian prisoners detained for fishing illegally in the country’s territorial waters in the Arabian Sea, a move aimed at easing tensions with New Delhi.
Mohammad Faisal, ministry spokesman, told reporters that Indian prisoners will be freed in four batches starting April 15.
Pakistani and Indian maritime agencies frequently arrest each other’s fishermen on charges of illegal fishing. The detainees often languish in prison until such goodwill gestures are shown from either side
Friday’s announcement came hours before Pakistan’s military accused India of “unprovoked” firing in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, wounding six people, including four children.
On Monday, Pakistani and Indian soldiers also traded fire in Kashmir, leaving seven Pakistanis and three Indians dead. Both sides blamed each other for initiating gunfire in the region, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety.
