Krishna writes to Qureshi, appreciates release of fishermen

"In a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, the External Affairs Minister has conveyed the deep appreciation of the people and Government of India on the release of 442 Indian fishermen who had been lodged in various jails in Pakistan.

"While thanking the Government of Pakistan, the minister said that he looked forward to early release and repatriation of all Indian and Pakistani prisoners to their respective countries," a ministry statement said here today.

Krishna also conveyed his greetings to Qureshi on the forthcoming festival of Eid-ul-Fitr and reiterated India's commitment to work with Pakistan for the common good of the peoples of the two countries.

Subsequently, government has conveyed to Pakistan its decision to repatriate seven Pakistani fishermen and 24 civilian prisoners on September 15, 2010."Further steps are being taken, in cooperation with the Government of Pakistan, to release and repatriate other eligible Pakistani prisoners lodged in Indian jails," the MEA statement said.According some reports, there are over 600 Pakistani prisoners lodged in various Indian jails.