Pakistan announces to release 360 Indian prisoners

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Pakistan has announced to release 360 Indian prisoners on humanitarian basis upon completion of their sentences from Monday next. Addressing a weekly news briefing on Friday, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal has said that there are five hundred and thirty seven Indian prisoners in Pakistan serving their sentences, adding that Of these, 483 are fishermen and 54 civilians. Giving breakup of the release, the FO spokesperson said one hundred fishermen will be released on Monday with another batch of hundred fishermen on fifteenth of this month. It will be followed by release of additional one hundred fishermen on 22nd of the current month. Dr Mohammad Faisal said the last batch of 60 Indian prisoners, comprising 5 fishermen and 55 civilians, will be set free on 29th of this month. He also said 347 Pakistani prisoners are incarcerated in Indian jails, which comprise 249 civilians and 98 fishermen. He expressed optimism that India will reciprocate Pakistan's goodwill gesture.

India expresses willingness to attend Kartapur meeting

The FO spokesperson regretted that India postponed the Kartapur meeting earlier this week which was crucial in moving forward. He said Indian side has expressed willingness to attend a technical level meeting on the issue on 15th and 16th of this month, which will hopefully set the pace for further talks. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment that it will complete its side of Kartarpur Corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak later this year.

Pak to never accept repeal of Article 370 of Indian constitution

To a question, Dr Faisal said Pakistan will never accept the repeal of Article 370 of the Indian constitution which guarantees special status for Jammu and Kashmir. He said Kashmiri people will also not allow this to happen ever. Besides violating the rights of Kashmiris, it will also contravene the relevant UNSC resolutions.

Issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav is in ICJ

To another question, the FO spokesperson told that the issue of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav is in international court of justice. He said India has yet to give any reply to our question of Jadhav's passport.

US selling anti-submarine helicopters is alarming development

When asked about the US approval of selling anti-submarine helicopters to India, the spokesperson termed it an alarming development and said the move will accelerate arms race in the region. He said Pakistan wants to work for peace but it is not oblivious to its defense either. Dr Faisal further said Pakistan is taking various steps under National Action Plan in its own interest.