Pakistan government will soon release more than 350 Indian prisoners in an attempt to defuse tensions after recent border clashes in disputed region of Kashmir.
The Foreign Ministry says most of the prisoners slated for release are fishermen who had strayed into Pakistani-controlled waters. Their release could come as soon as August 24.
“We expect India to reciprocate the gesture,” media outlets quoted a foreign ministry official as saying.
Latest figures show there are currently 491 Indians in Pakistani jails.
The developments come as Islamabad is seeking to defuse tensions with India over a spate of recent border clashes along their de-facto border dividing the disputed Kashmir.
India and Pakistan have in recent weeks accused each other of violating a 10-year-old ceasefire over Kashmir. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh are due to meet in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Sharif has recently called for a new beginning with India, amid simmering tensions, and killings in the Kashmir region. Sharif said that it is vital for India and Pakistan to mend their relations and become good friends after the recent jump in violence.
“Let us make a new beginning. Let us sit together to resolve all outstanding issues in a friendly manner and in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said on Tuesday, adding, “We must become good friends. Hold each other’s hands. We must sit together with open and clean heart.”
Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said the Islamabad government was seeking an early resumption of constructive dialogue with its arch-rival India.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since their independence from Britain in 1947 — two of them over Kashmir.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan by the UN-monitored Line of Control, but is claimed in full by both countries. It lies at the heart of more than 60 years of hostility between India and Pakistan.
