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On a day when Pakistan rejoiced over the release of octogenarian Pakistani virologist Khalil Chisti on bail from the Ajmer jail in India, President Asif Ali Zardari is understood to have ordered the release of an imprisoned Indian fisherman who is suffering from cancer.
Though official confirmation regarding this presidential order did not come till the time of going to press, sources in the Presidency indicated that this was in the offing. According to human rights activist Ansar Burney — who has been campaigning for the release of the fisherman, Samat Lakshman Bambhaniya — he received information from the Presidency that Mr. Zardari had ordered the release of the fisherman who is suffering from bone cancer.
Bambhaniya was arrested two years ago for straying into Pakistani waters and has been languishing in the Karachi jail since then. He was detected with cancer some time ago and was admitted to hospital but sent back to prison as there was no treatment available.
Fishermen straying into each other's waters is a common phenomenon.
Invariably the lone breadwinners, they languish in prison for years on end; often even after completion of sentence. Also, they lose their boats and face the prospect of further harassment on return as these fishing vessels are often hired or taken on loan. Though both countries discuss the issue of fishermen regularly and have committed themselves to addressing the issue, fishermen continue to be arrested on both sides.
Though official confirmation regarding this presidential order did not come till the time of going to press, sources in the Presidency indicated that this was in the offing. According to human rights activist Ansar Burney — who has been campaigning for the release of the fisherman, Samat Lakshman Bambhaniya — he received information from the Presidency that Mr. Zardari had ordered the release of the fisherman who is suffering from bone cancer.
Bambhaniya was arrested two years ago for straying into Pakistani waters and has been languishing in the Karachi jail since then. He was detected with cancer some time ago and was admitted to hospital but sent back to prison as there was no treatment available.
Fishermen straying into each other's waters is a common phenomenon.
Invariably the lone breadwinners, they languish in prison for years on end; often even after completion of sentence. Also, they lose their boats and face the prospect of further harassment on return as these fishing vessels are often hired or taken on loan. Though both countries discuss the issue of fishermen regularly and have committed themselves to addressing the issue, fishermen continue to be arrested on both sides.