Pakistan frees 151 Indian fishermen ahead of Nawaz Sharif's Delhi visit

"We were treated well and not as serious criminals but everyone wants to go home to their families," one prisoner said.

This is the first time in many years that any side has decided to release the boats of these fishermen and it is Pakistan which is taking the first step, the statement said.

Pakistan has always said the "issue of prisoners in our respective countries is a humanitarian one and should be taken in that spirit".

"According to our figures, there are 521 Pakistani prisoners in India, including 168 fishermen," the statement said, adding "Government of Pakistan hopes that they too will be able to return to their loved ones in Pakistan soon."

Last year in August, Pakistan had released around 337 Indian prisoners from jails. Later on Diwali also, 15 Indian fishermen were released as a goodwill gesture.

Pakistan maritime security forces frequently arrest Indian fishermen and seize their boats for fishing in its territorial waters.

According to Indian activists, at present around 229 Indian fishermen and about 780 Indian boats are in the custody of Pakistan.

In addition to this, 23 boats of Indian fishermen had been confiscated just during the ongoing fishing season.