The Indian Coast Guard has detained a fishing boat and arrested nine Pakistani fishermen in the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred near Gujarat in open waters while the fishermen were engaged in traditional fishing activities.
The seized boat contained around 500 kilograms of fish and fishing equipment. All items were confiscated by Indian authorities. Officials confirmed that the Pakistani fishermen were operating in their usual fishing zones, and no illegal or suspicious items were found on board.
According to the Coastal Media Center, the detained fishermen belong to Ibrahim Hyderi, a coastal area in Karachi. Local authorities have expressed concern over repeated incidents of fishermen being apprehended for entering international waters unintentionally.
This is not the first such case. Last year, Pakistan released 22 Indian fishermen who had been arrested for fishing in Pakistani waters. The release was carried out as a goodwill gesture. The fishermen were handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border after being transported from Landhi District Jail in Karachi to Lahore.
Deputy Superintendent of Landhi Jail, Arshad Shah, stated that the 22 released Indian fishermen included three Muslims and 19 Hindus. They had served sentences for violating local fishing regulations and were released on humanitarian grounds. The released fishermen were also provided with financial support and gifts to cover expenses.
Experts and human rights organizations continue to urge both countries to establish clearer guidelines and joint patrolling to prevent such incidents. They emphasize that Pakistani fishermen and their Indian counterparts often cross into each other’s waters unintentionally while following traditional fishing routes in the Arabian Sea.
The latest detention highlights ongoing tensions over maritime boundaries and the vulnerability of fishermen operating in disputed or poorly marked zones. Authorities in Karachi are reportedly in contact with Indian officials to secure the release of the nine Pakistani fishermen.
Both governments are expected to engage in diplomatic talks to resolve the situation swiftly and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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