A fisherman from Gujarat, who was detained by Pakistani authorities in 2022 after inadvertently crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), has died in a Karachi jail despite having completed his sentence nearly three years ago, activists said on Monday.
Death in custody raises humanitarian concerns
Peace activist Jatin Desai said the fisherman died on January 16 at Malir Jail, Karachi. The deceased fisherman’s identity has been withheld, but he was reportedly captured during a routine fishing expedition and jailed after crossing the maritime boundary unknowingly.
The death comes weeks after representatives of the fishing community wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging the government to expedite the release of Indian fishermen lodged in Pakistani prisons despite having completed their sentences.
Sentence completed, release denied
Jivan Jungi, former president of the Porbandar Boat Association, confirmed the death and said the fisherman was likely from Una in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. He added that the man had been unwell for several months.
Desai pointed out that the fisherman’s sentence had ended in 2022 itself after his nationality was verified. However, he continued to remain in custody, allegedly in violation of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access between India and Pakistan.
Agreement remains unimplemented
Under Section 5 of the agreement, both countries are required to release and repatriate prisoners within one month of nationality confirmation and sentence completion. Activists argue that the agreement has largely remained on paper.
As of now, around 198 Indian fishermen are lodged in Karachi jail, including 19 from Maharashtra. Nearly 160 of them have completed their sentences and have had their nationality verified.
Families seek urgent action
In a letter submitted last month, fishing communities from Gujarat, Diu and Maharashtra highlighted the prolonged detention of fishermen, lack of communication with families, health concerns, and financial distress.
Activists have reiterated demands for immediate humanitarian release, medical care, revival of the joint judicial committee on prisoners, return of confiscated fishing boats, and support for affected families.