As India and Pakistan approach the celebration of their Independence Days, families of Indian fishermen incarcerated in Pakistan have made a heartfelt appeal for the release of imprisoned individuals on humanitarian grounds. Their request is especially directed towards those who have completed their sentences. Representatives from various organisations, including the National Fishworkers Forum and the Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, held a press conference in Ahmedabad on August 8, 2026, urging both governments to act promptly.

According to the organisations, a total of 198 Indian fishermen remain imprisoned in Pakistan, while 54 Pakistani fishermen are held in Indian jails. Among the Indian detainees, 178 have served their full prison terms yet remain in custody, which reportedly contravenes the 2008 India-Pakistan Consular Access Agreement. Family members stressed that most fishermen accidentally crossed maritime boundaries during fishing expeditions and were not involved in any espionage or criminal activities.

These families implored the governments to prioritise humanitarian issues rather than diplomatic tensions, highlighting the urgency and need for compassion in their cases.

Personal Accounts Highlight the Plight of Fishermen

One poignant account comes from Manju Mohan Bariya, a resident of Kotda village in Gujarat’s Somnath district, whose son, Mayur, and two brothers have been detained in Pakistan since 2020. She revealed that ten individuals from her village are still imprisoned even after serving their sentences. Manju expressed her desperation, stating, “My son and brothers went to sea to catch fish, not commit any crime.” Despite meeting with high-ranking officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, she stated they have yet to see their loved ones return.

Dhanu Bambhaniya from Somnath voiced similar concerns, mentioning that his son Kapil and son-in-law Ramjibhai have been in custody for nearly five years. Meanwhile, Bhavna Solanki from Una relayed her struggles, as her husband Mahesh has been incarcerated for six years, leaving her to care for two children and an ill father-in-law alone.

Jagruti Solanki shared her plight as well, stating that her brother-in-law, the family’s only source of income, remains imprisoned despite completing his sentence. This situation has plunged their family into severe financial difficulties. Jeeviben Ramji from Diu highlighted the emotional toll, noting that her son Vishal was arrested shortly after his marriage, leaving a young daughter who keeps asking when her father will return.

Activists Call for Improved Conditions and Release Procedures

Activists advocating for the welfare of fishermen have pointed out that the ongoing detention of individuals beyond their sentences poses a significant humanitarian concern. Jatin Desai, affiliated with the Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, stated that out of 198 Indian fishermen, 178 have completed their sentences. He stressed that under the existing Consular Access Agreement, prisoners with verified nationality should be released within one month of completing their terms.

Desai remarked on the non-implementation of this agreement and the resultant suffering of families. He also called for the re-establishment of a Joint Judicial Committee on Prisoners, which last convened in 2013. This committee had previously been instrumental in reviewing prisoner conditions and facilitating releases.

The organisations also highlighted the need for better medical facilities for detainees, and proposed the restoration of cross-border family correspondence, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, they requested an increase in financial support for families of imprisoned fishermen from Rs 300 to Rs 500 per day. They urged the Prime Ministers of both nations to take this opportunity to release the fishermen who have completed their sentences, marking a significant humanitarian gesture that would reunite families separated for far too long.

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