194 Indian Fishermen Held in Pakistani Jails, 123 from Gujarat; MoS Kirtiwardhan Singh Answers MP Nathwani

In response to a query raised by Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtiwardhan Singh revealed that 194 Indian fishermen remain imprisoned in Pakistani jails, with 123 of them hailing from Gujarat. Among the Gujarati detainees, 33 have been held since 2021, 68 since 2022, 9 were detained in 2023, and 13 in 2024.

The update comes as part of the annual prisoner exchange process between India and Pakistan, during which both countries share lists of detained citizens on January 1 and July 1. According to the list provided by Pakistan on January 1, 2025, there were 217 Indian fishermen in custody. Since then, one fisherman has died and 22 have been released and repatriated to India, leaving the current total at 194.

The government stressed that the welfare, security, and safety of Indian fishermen remain a top priority. When reports of detentions reach home, the Indian Embassy in Islamabad immediately takes action requesting a meeting between the Indian ambassador and the detained fishermen and coordinating efforts for their swift release. All necessary assistance, including legal aid, is provided, with a strong appeal to resolve the issue on humanitarian and livelihood grounds.

This process is guided by the “India-Pakistan Agreement on Consular Access 2008,” which outlines procedures for the release and repatriation of detained fishermen. Additionally, the India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners comprising retired High Court judges from both sides—meets periodically (having held seven meetings to date) to recommend measures for humane treatment and expedited repatriation.

In support of the affected families, the central Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, along with a Gujarat state relief scheme, is providing financial assistance to help mitigate the hardships faced by those of the imprisoned fishermen.