Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday ordered the release of 200 Indian civilians languishing in his country's jails.
Musharraf took the impromptu decision during an hour-long meeting with Indian Left party leaders Harkishen Singh Surjeet and A B Bardhan in Islamabad.
The Pakistan president gave the order as soon as the matter was brought to his notice, Bardhan told reporters after the meeting.
The Indian leaders discussed various matters, including the composite dialogue process to resolve the Kashmir issue and confidence-building measures. They also wanted the process of normalisation of relations between the two countries to be expedited.
Surjeet and Bardhan also appealed to Musharraf to release 800-odd Indian fishermen held for fishing illegally in Pakistani waters. "They should be released along with their boats and trawlers," they said.