The jail term for the Indian fishermen caught by the Pakistani authorities has been raised from the previous 3-year term to a 5-year term. So, if an Indian fisherman falls into the hands of Pakistan, he will be punished in a Pakistani jail for 5 years.
The Pakistan Maritime Zone Bill has been promulgated in the Parliament of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Maritime Zone Act-2003 (PMZ Act-23) will be implemented soon. This act raises the punishment for the crime from 3 years to 5 years, and it also allows the confiscation of the boat or vessel used in the crime by Pakistani authorities.
In preparation for the fishing season, relevant agencies have been instructed to maintain vigilance regarding maritime security and prevent incidents of abduction of Indian fishing boats and fishermen. It is essential for fishermen to strictly adhere to the rules, ensuring that fishing boats do not cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) or operate in the No Fishing Zone area.
Fishing boats going for fishing will be inspected with an online token by the Fisheries Guard Officer, and legal action will be taken against boat owners fishing near or crossing the IMBL. Any incidents against national security will be reported to security agencies such as the local Marine Police and Coast Guard, as informed by the Fisheries Department.
It is worth noting that there is no international sea boundary between India and Pakistan near Jakhou IMBL; it is only a no-fishing zone. However, due to the lack of awareness, fishermen unintentionally cross the IMBL, and the Pakistan Marine Security Agency arbitrarily abducts them.
The President of the Boat Association in Porbandar, Mukesh Panjari, emphasizes that fishermen understand not to go to IMBL, but sometimes they unknowingly cross the border, especially if the boat sails in that direction due to the wind. He points out that fishermen are not to blame in such cases.
The Assistant Director of Fisheries dept in Porbandar, Tushar Kotia, highlights the need for fishermen to prioritize safety and security, particularly concerning the International Border Artificial Line, which is considered uncountable. The buffer zone, or no-fishing zone, extends to 100 nautical miles from Okha and 40 to 50 nautical miles from Jakhou, and fishermen should avoid crossing the IMBL, carry safety equipment, and seek help from security agencies during emergencies.
Currently, there are approximately 1200 Indian fishermen’s boats in Pakistan, with around 900 to 950 boats belonging to Porbandar. As of now, there are 267 Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails. The authorities are uncertain about the future of these prisoners.