Indian Fisherman Dies in Pakistan Jail Despite Completed Sentence, Repatriation Delays Persist

An Indian fisherman from Gujarat died on January 16, 2026, in Pakistan's Malir Jail, where around 198 Indian fishermen are detained for allegedly crossing maritime boundaries. Activist Jatin Desai reported the deceased had completed his sentence in 2022 and his nationality was verified. Despite a 2008 bilateral agreement mandating repatriation within a month of sentence completion, many fishermen remain imprisoned, with concerns over their health and delayed releases.