Tears of joy marked the emotional reunions as the fishermen met their families after years of separation, describing their time in Indian jails as the most painful period of their lives.

“They made us do hard labour and kept us in dark cells during wartime,” said one of the released fishermen, recalling the harsh conditions they endured.

The fishermen said that jail authorities would often taunt them, saying their only crime was being Pakistani.

Abdul Rehman, one of the detainees, suffered paralysis in his fifth year of imprisonment but was compelled to serve another three years before release.

Another fisherman, Ali Muhammad, returned home after eight years but left behind his son, Noor Muhammad, who remains imprisoned in India. The family appealed for his early release.

The Edhi Foundation arranged transportation and other facilities for the fishermen’s journey from the Wagah Border to Karachi, ensuring their safe return home.