Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh assured a delegation of fishermen and of the fishing industry from Gujarat that the Government of India will communicate its concern to the Government of Pakistan regarding the fate of several hundred fishermen still in custody in Pakistan and seek the release of over 160 fishing boats being held by Pakistan authorities.

Dr. Singh gave this assurance to a delegation from Gujarat led by the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri L K Advani. The delegation comprised political leaders from Gujarat and some leaders of the fishermen community.

India has repeatedly requested Pakistan to release 708 Indian fishermen who had accidentally strayed into Pakistan waters while fishing and who are being detained in Pakistani jails. Moreover, as many as 162 trawlers and fishing boats have been seized by Pakistani authorities and are not being returned to their owners causing enormous loss of income to the fishing communities in Gujarat.

The Prime Minister informed the delegation that the external affairs Minister Mr.Natwar Singh would once again raise the issue when he visits Pakistan next month. He also assured the delegation that the Ministry of External Affairs will immediately take up the matter with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This has since been done.