Mumbai:
Indian sailors of MV Suez, released with Pakistani help, were sent home within hours of their arrival in Karachi.
But five Pakistani sailors, rescued by Indian Navy, have waited three long months to be able to finally go back home.
"I want to go home, meet my parents," said Aurangzeb Balloch, one of the Pakistani sailors rescued by Indian Navy.
Aurangzeb and his four companions had been staying at Mumbai's Yellowgate Police Station since their rescue. While the 11 Iranians rescued with them went home soon after, these five remained here - thanks to a Home Ministry letter classifying them as prisoners.
"When the letter mentioned Pakistan prisoners in jail, I was shocked as to why they used this word," said M G Tope, Police Inspector, Yellowgate Police Station.
According to sources, they were given consular access just last week despite the agreement clearly stating that non-security prisoners should be given consular access as quickly as possible.
The state Minorities Commission Vice-Chairman Abraham Mathai and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt stepped in, pressing for their immediate release.
"There was an error by classifying them as Pakistani prisoners which brought about the delay," said Mr Mathai.
Now, finally ready to go home, the sailors were treated to a special screening of Mahesh Bhatt's yet unreleased film, Murder 2.
But the question remains - was it Pakistan's contribution to the safe return of Indian sailors that forced New Delhi to act fast?