Karachi, Dec.26 (ANI): Pakistan has finally released 100 out of the 629 Indian fishermen imprisoned in the Malir District Jail.

The fishermen were to be released on Wednesday, but the process was delayed as Pakistani authorities said that the Indian government had told them to postpone the release.

Sindh Jails Minister Muzzafar Ali Shajra said Pakistan wants friendly relations with all its neighbours, including India.

“We hope India will respond positively to this step and also release Pakistani fishermen imprisoned in their jails,” The Daily Times quoted Shajra, as saying.

It may be noted that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had announced the release of the Indian fishermen as a ‘goodwill gesture’.

All these fishermen were arrested by Pakistan’s Maritime Security Agency (MSA) for fishing illegally inside the exclusive economic zone of that country.

Meanwhile, an 80-year-old Indian fisherman has reportedly died of cancer in the Malir District Jail.

Sugghan Soma was arrested by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency for fishing illegally in Pakistani waters, and was later handed over to the Docks police, who sent him to jail in March 2009.

Soma’s name was on the list of 100 Indian fishermen who have been released. (ANI)