Karachi: Committee for Welfare of Prisoners-Legal Aid Office (CWP-LAO) has been actively involved in providing legal aid and representation to vulnerable individuals in Sindh’s prisons since its establishment in 2004. In addition to its legal aid and welfare activities, CWP-LAO has also been engaged in repatriation efforts.

Sindh’s prisons house significant number of foreign prisoners and often vulnerability of these individuals is overlooked. One such example is Malir district prison in Karachi, which held approximately 705 Indian fishermen prisoners. These fishermen, who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, were intercepted by Maritime Security Agency while in Pakistani waters and subsequently faced criminal charges and imprisonment.

In collaboration with key stakeholders such as National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) and Sindh Correctional facilities, CWP-LAO advocated for release and repatriation of these Indian fishermen prisoners. Through continuous efforts, government of Pakistan successfully repatriated 200 Indian fishermen prisoners who had completed their sentences but were still held in Malir district prison for over two years. These prisoners were handed over to India on June 2, 2022, via Wagah Border in Lahore.

CWP-LAO expresses its gratitude to all partners involved in supporting repatriation of these prisoners. Their collective efforts not only ensured return of these individuals to their homeland and reunion with their families but also reinforced importance of respecting human rights and providing humanitarian relief across borders.

This successful repatriation initiative highlights commitment of Committee for Welfare of Prisoners and its partners to ensure well-being and rights of vulnerable prisoners, regardless of their nationality.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 03 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.