Arrest & Detention

India arrests eight Pakistani fishermen

Posted Fri, 12/26/2008 - 16:43

NEW DELHI: Indian coast guards have arrested eight Pakistani fishermen including two children aged 12 and 10 for violating the Indian maritime boundary along the Gujarat coast in the Arabian Sea. A press release issued by the Indian Ministry of Defence stated that Indian patrol boats apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat, Al-Zainab, nine nautical miles from the international maritime boundary within Indian waters on Monday. “The boat was carrying eight crew members and 500 kilogrammes of fish.

Release of Pakistani fishermen in limbo

Posted Mon, 12/08/2008 - 09:42

Karachi: After fresh tension between India and Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks, the release of detained Pakistani fishermen may be delayed further, fear fisherfolk.Pakistan had released 199 Indian fishermen few days back as a good will gesture, expecting the neighbouring country to release Pakistani fishermen in return. The PFF spokesman, being a member of World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP), confirmed that India had agreed to release Pakistani fishermen, many of them languishing in different jails for the last many years. But their is uncertainty on this matter now.

I will fight for them: a desperate sister's promise

Posted Sun, 12/07/2008 - 12:23

It has been seven years since four fishermen of the Jutt community were arrested across the Pakistani seas, and today, all that is known of their whereabouts is that they are being held in the Gujarat Jail in India.
For the past seven years since her brothers got arrested, Mai Bhaagi, the oldest member of the fishermen's families, has taken charge. From managing the income generated through fishing to looking after their hut, which the ravages of high tides have almost destroyed to dealing with government officials for her brothers' release, she is solely dealing with all.

Beyond enemy waters

Posted Fri, 12/05/2008 - 18:52

Detained fishermen are languishing for nothing, says Abdullah Khoso

On October 11 2008, seven Indians arrived at Karachi’s Jinah Terminal Airport. The government of Gujrat, India, on behalf of Indian boat owners, had sent these men to recover confiscated boats – the poor Indian fishermen who used them now being in Pakistani jails. The purpose of the delegation was to survey the conditions of the confiscated boats for possible auction. Yet, they also brought with them letters from family members, for their loved ones now behind bars. “I will be looked on with suspicion if we are not successful in meeting with machawara (fishers),” Bharat Modi, a member of the delegate, confessed. “When I was leaving the village for the airport, to travel to Karachi, hundreds of fisherwomen gathered at my home, all wanting me to give messages to their relatives.”

99 Indian fishermen released

Posted Wed, 11/26/2008 - 06:33

The News International reports

Pakistani authorities released 99 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture on Tuesday. They were caught by Maritime Security Agency (MSA) for violating sea water jurisdictions during October 2006.

Haider Ali Haider of Saiban, an NGO told The News that he received letter by the Sindh Home Department on Monday evening to make arrangements for their safe departure by two buses from Malir district jail to Wahga Border, Lahore on Wednesday. They are to be handed over to the Indian authorities.

Rehman Announces to Free 101 Indian Prisoners

Posted Mon, 11/24/2008 - 06:44

Islamabd: Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik announced on Sunday the release of 101 Indian prisoners including 99 fishermen from the Pakistan jails.

All these prisoners have completed their jail terms, said a report telecast by a television channel. APP

Profile on Arrest and Detention of Indian and Pakistani

Posted Thu, 11/20/2008 - 07:36 by Anonymous

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) has compiled a fact report on the arrest and detention of fishers of India and Pakistan. The report is in the process of publishing. As it comes through the publication processes, it will be uploaded at the website.

Sourvenier: 10 years of Unremitting struggle

Attached document contains artciles about PFF's ten year struggle. There are feelings and comments of PFF's office bearers and staff who had been part of PFF's campaigns.