KARACHI, Pakistan – Authorities on Wednesday (August 15th) released 55 Indian fishermen, 15 of them teenagers, as a "goodwill gesture" to mark Independence Day in India, AFP reported.

The release is part of an understanding between the nuclear-armed rivals to free citizens who mistakenly stray into each other's waters.

The Indians were presented with flowers and gifts, and then bussed to the eastern city of Lahore, from where they would cross the Wagah border.

Officials say 100 Indian fishermen are still in Pakistani jails and 250 Pakistanis in Indian prisons.

Ayaz Soomro, law minister for the southern province of Sindh on the Arabian Sea, said the releases were "a goodwill gesture".

"We hope our neighbours reciprocate in the same spirit and release Pakistani prisoners from their jails," he said.