Pakistani Fisherman Dies in Indian Custody, Buried in Karachi
A 75-year-old Pakistani fisherman who passed away while in foreign custody within an Indian prison was laid to rest in Karachi on Saturday after his mortal remains were repatriated to Pakistan, according to details confirmed by his immediate family and community leaders.
Key Highlights
- A 75-year-old Pakistani fisherman named Ismail was buried in Karachi after passing away in Indian custody.
- Intercepted by the Indian Navy in 2021, Ismail spent years imprisoned before his death, suspected to be from diabetes.
- His body was repatriated via the Wagah border to his grieving family members.
- Representatives report that around 80 Pakistani fishermen from Sindh remain incarcerated in India.
The deceased individual, identified as Ismail, son of Ibrahim, was buried at the Mowach Goth cemetery. This followed final funeral prayers held at the Badr Ground in Keamari. The final rituals were attended by family members, relatives, and local residents in an atmosphere filled with profound sorrow and grief.
Providing insight into the incident, his son-in-law, Abdul Ghani, explained that Ismail was a lifelong fisherman who embarked on a routine seafaring journey in 2021. During this voyage, his fishing boat was intercepted by the Indian Navy, leading to the immediate detention of the entire crew.
The captured crew members were subsequently transferred to a detention facility in India. Ismail spent several years imprisoned before his demise. His family attributes his death to natural causes resulting from a long-standing battle with diabetes.
The formal handover of his body to Pakistani authorities took place at the Wagah border before its long transport back to Karachi. Separately, Coastal Media Centre spokesperson Kamal Shah stated that approximately 80 fishermen from Sindh remain locked up inside Indian jails.
Maritime Border Disputes and Prisoner Welfare
The arrest of fishermen along the Arabian Sea border is a recurring issue between India and Pakistan. Due to un-demarcated maritime boundaries and the lack of modern navigational equipment on small fishing vessels, crew members frequently drift into foreign waters unknowingly.
Once detained, these individuals often face prolonged legal processes and extended incarceration periods that stretch over several years. The death of elderly prisoners like Ismail highlights the urgent necessity for bilateral agreements focused on the humanitarian treatment and swift repatriation of detained civilian mariners.
FAQs
Who was the Pakistani fisherman who died in India?
The fisherman was Ismail, a 75-year-old resident of Pakistan, who was apprehended at sea and later passed away while serving time in an Indian jail.
When was Ismail originally detained by the Indian Navy?
Ismail and his fellow crew members were intercepted and taken into custody by Indian maritime forces in 2021.
How many Pakistani fishermen are currently held in Indian prisons?
According to data provided by the Coastal Media Centre, roughly 80 fishermen from the Sindh province remain incarcerated within Indian correctional facilities.
