Families of fishermen worried after Pahalgam terror attack on tourists

It has been nearly a week since the terrorist attack on tourists in the meadows of the popular hill station of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, and Jatin Desai’s mobile has not stopped ringing. He is being flooded with calls from the families of fishermen of Gujarat and Maharashtra, who are languishing in jails in Pakistan.

Desai, who is a Mumbai-based journalist, author and peace activist, has been working for the last several decades for repartition of fishermen to their respective countries. A lot has been done over the past few years, however, there still are fishermen from both sides, who are in jail.

“As of now there are 193 Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails and 81 Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails,” Desai tells DH’s Mrityunjay Bose during an informal chat in Mumbai.

You have been working for the Indian fishermen and their repatriation. How do you see the situation after the Pahalgam incident?

Ever since the unfortunate incident happened, I have been flooded with calls. The families of fishermen from Gujarat, Diu, and Maharashtra are calling me. They are breaking down, crying. It is an emotional moment. At this hour, I can only assure them and speak positively.

What are the exact figures as far as fishermen from both sides in each other’s jails?

First, the number of Indian fishermen is more than that of Pakistani fishermen. As of now, there are 193 Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails and 84 Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails. While the Indian fishermen are lodged in Malir Jail in Karachi, the Pakistani fishermen are mainly lodged in jails in Gujarat. Coming to specifics, of the 193 Indian fishermen, the sentences of 175 are over, and their identities have been established. In 2025 itself, one Indian fisherman died of natural causes while another died by suicide. In the backdrop of the incident in Pahalgam, they are worried about their safety. This is a difficult situation for their families.

In the past, we have seen the incident involving Sarabjit Singh Saini.

Yes. That was a very unfortunate incident. In April 2013, Sarabjit Singh was attacked by fellow inmates and he later died in hospital in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore. Safety of prisoners is an issue.

Do you see the fishermen suffering because of the Pahalgam incident?

Every time relations between the two Asian neighbours are affected, it automatically impacts the Indian prisoners in Pakistan, and vice versa. Incidentally, Indian fishermen prisoners are in larger numbers. They are there for practically no fault of their.

You have in the past spoken on the issue of consular access.

Section (V) of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, 2008, categorically says - “Both Governments agree to release and repatriate persons within one month of confirmation of their national status and completion of sentences”. However, through an RTI reply from the High Commission of India in Islamabad, I have been informed that between January 2014 and December 2023, 24 Indian fishermen died in Pakistan's custody. These prisoners have nothing to do with politics and the emerging geo-political situation. Between 2023-24, four more fishermen have died. Hence the figure is now 28.

What will be your advice to Indian fishermen?

Be careful when you venture out.