ISLAMABAD, April 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Pakistani officials said on Thursday that a total of 24 Pakistani prisoners freed by India crossed into the country through Wagha check post, the local news agency News Network International reported.

    Punjab Minister for Jails Saeed Akbar Khan received the prisoners at Wagha check post, thanked the Indian Punjab Chief Minister, Mahender Singh, for showing his kindness and generosity in releasing the prisoners.

    The 24 Pakistani prisoners belonged to different districts of eastern Punjab province including the provincial capital Lahore and other cities including Gujrat, Sialkot, Kasur, Rahim Yar Khan and Azad Kashmir.

    India's East Punjab Minister for Food and Public Health Iftikhar Handre, who handed over the Pakistani prisoners on the no-man-land, said that the Indian authorities would release another batch of 160 Pakistani prisoners next week as a goodwill gesture.

    Indian Border Security Force had captured the prisoners a few years ago for crossing into India at various points.

    Talking to the Indian Minister, Saeed Akbar Khan hoped that the upcoming visit paid by President Pervez Musharraf to India would help in improving ties between Islamabad and New Delhi. Enditem