M A I N   N E W S

Pak to release 16 Sikh youths on Sept 6

Islamabad, August 31
In a goodwill gesture aimed at improving the bilateral relations between the neighbours, Pakistan will release tomorrow 269 Indian fishermen, arrested for illegal entry into its territory, while 16 Sikh youths would be released on September 6.

Maritime Security Agency (MSA) headquarters in Karachi told the authorities in Islamabad that arrangements for the repatriation of 269 Indian fishermen on 31 boats had been finalised, Daily Times quoted sources as saying yesterday.

MSA Operations Director Commander Mohammad Zakir said the remaining 74 Indian fishermen would be repatriated after repairs are completed on their 18 boats.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad would be approached shortly by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to request for assigning one Indian officer to take charge of the Indian fishermen and their boats.

The 16 Sikh youths, currently in jails in Lahore and Quetta, whose nationality has been confirmed by the Indian High Commission will be returned to India on September 6 via the Wagah border, sources added. — UNI