Karachi: The Indian Army has arrested nine Pakistani fishermen while they were out fishing in coastal waters, according to the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF).
The PFF said the arrested fishermen belong to the Ibrahim Haideri area of Karachi. The forum explained that the fishermen had gone to sea for their daily fishing activity when they were taken into custody by Indian forces.
The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum expressed serious concern over the incident and said such arrests have become a repeated problem for poor fishing communities. The forum stated that fishermen from both Pakistan and India often cross maritime boundaries unintentionally due to unclear sea borders and lack of modern navigation equipment.
According to the PFF, the arrested fishermen are breadwinners for their families, and their detention causes severe financial and emotional distress to their loved ones. The forum urged both governments to show humanitarian consideration in such cases.
The organization also appealed to the Government of Pakistan to take immediate diplomatic steps for the safe and early release of the detained fishermen. It called on authorities to raise the issue with India through official channels.
Fishermen from coastal areas like Ibrahim Haideri depend entirely on the sea for their livelihood. Many of them go out daily in small boats, often unaware when they cross disputed maritime lines. Due to poverty, most fishermen cannot afford modern tracking systems that could help them avoid such situations.
The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum further stressed the need for a joint mechanism between Pakistan and India to prevent the arrest of fishermen. It suggested better coordination, information sharing, and humanitarian treatment for those detained.
Incidents involving the arrest of fishermen by both countries are reported frequently. Human rights groups have long demanded a permanent solution, including regular prisoner exchanges and clearer marking of sea boundaries.
For now, families of the arrested fishermen wait anxiously, hoping for their loved ones’ safe return.