Karachi, Sunday, December 14, 2025 – Pakistani fishermen detained an India after 11 crew members, including two minors, were arrested by the Indian Coast Guard on December 10 near Jakhau in Gujarat. Families and locals protested in Karachi’s Ibrahim Hyderi, urging diplomatic intervention.
The incident highlights ongoing maritime boundary disputes in the Arabian Sea. The fishermen, all from the same family in Rehri Goth, were fishing when they were apprehended. Protesters condemned the detention and called for immediate release.
11 Pakistani Fishermen Arrested in India: Protest Details
Families, residents, and leaders gathered in Ibrahim Hyderi on Saturday. Kamal Shah, president of Coastal Media, led the demonstration.
Shah condemned the repeated targeting of Pakistani fishermen by Indian authorities. He called on Pakistan’s government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and human rights organisations to take immediate diplomatic action. Shah appealed to the United Nations and international bodies to bring attention to the situation. He demanded unconditional release of all detained fishermen.
The 11 arrested belong to a single family. They are sole earners, leaving households facing severe hardship, including food shortages. Over 130 Pakistani fishermen from Karachi, Badin, Thatta, and other areas remain imprisoned in India, according to protesters.
Fishermen Protest Pakistan India Detention: Incident Context
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted the Pakistani boat inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone on December 10. Officials described the operation as swift to secure maritime frontiers. The vessel and crew were brought to Jakhau Port. Investigation continues. Indian sources confirm the boat operated illegally in their waters. The crew includes two juveniles.
Pakistani accounts claim the fishermen were in deep waters and may have inadvertently crossed boundaries. Maritime lines in the Sir Creek and Kajar Creek areas remain poorly demarcated. Such incidents occur frequently due to unclear borders. Fishermen from both sides stray without realising.
Karachi Fishermen Protest Indian Detention: Humanitarian Impact
Detained fishermen support large families. Their absence causes economic distress in coastal communities. Protesters highlighted children among the arrested. Calls grew for the humanitarian release of minors.
Similar detentions affect Indian fishermen in Pakistani custody. Exchanges happen periodically, but processes slow amid bilateral tensions. Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum records show the latest arrests raised the number of detained Pakistanis in India to around 74.
Background
India and Pakistan share a disputed maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea. Sir Creek dispute complicates demarcation. Fishermen lack precise navigation tools. They often cross invisible lines while chasing fish stocks.
Both countries apprehend vessels and crews for illegal entry. Detentions last months or years pending verification and diplomacy. Governments exchange prisoner lists twice a year under the 2008 consular agreement. Releases occur in batches.
Recent examples include repatriations earlier in 2025. Delays persist due to strained relations. Coastal communities on both sides suffer economically and emotionally from prolonged separations.
What’s Next
Protesters demand a permanent policy to prevent future incidents. Diplomatic channels may address the latest case. Pakistan’s foreign ministry could raise the issue with India. Humanitarian appeals focus on family ties and minors.
Progress on boundary demarcation remains stalled. Meanwhile, fishermen protest Pakistan India detention to pressure authorities. Sustained efforts are needed for the release of the Pakistani fishermen detained in India within the framework.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 14th, 2025
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