The Indian Navy detained eleven Pakistani fishermen after intercepting their boat near the maritime boundary. The group included two children, both said to be under the age of ten. The incident triggered concern in Karachi’s coastal settlement of Ibrahim Hyderi, where the families live.
The detainees belong mostly to Bogani Mohalla, a neighbourhood known for its long association with deep-sea fishing. They had departed on a seasonal trip linked to the “gajar keri” catch. Their families said the crew had followed routine routes before the interception.
Families Report Sudden Seizure of Boat
According to relatives, the fishermen were taken into custody after Indian forces accused them of crossing maritime limits. The family members learned about the incident shortly after communication with the crew stopped.
The families said the children were travelling with their elders as part of the extended fishing crew. The sudden news created panic within the community, which depends heavily on seasonal fishing for income. Many of the detained fishermen are close relatives, which has deepened the distress.
Calls for Government Intervention Intensify
Families of the detainees appealed for immediate action. They requested assistance from the Ministry of Human Rights and the Pakistan Human Rights Commission. They stressed that the presence of minors makes the situation even more urgent.
Relatives urged officials to help secure the safe and early return of all the fishermen. They said that prompt diplomatic engagement is essential because the fishermen were conducting routine work when the detention occurred.
Community Fears More Arrests in Future
The incident has renewed concerns among fishing communities along the coastal belt. Fishermen often navigate near the informal maritime boundary during peak seasons. Even minor deviations caused by currents or faulty equipment can lead to detentions.
Residents of Ibrahim Hyderi say they fear more arrests if no clear mechanism is introduced for protecting crews who rely on open waters for survival. They believe transparent coordination between both countries could reduce such incidents.
