ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India on Tuesday exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody, as part of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008. The agreement mandates both countries to share these lists twice a year—on January 1 and July 1.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan submitted a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners, which includes 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen, to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
At the same time, India handed over a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners—including 382 civilians and 81 fishermen—to a diplomat from the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi.
Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been confirmed. Islamabad also requested special consular access for all believed-to-be-Pakistani detainees, including those who are physically or mentally challenged, to expedite the confirmation of their national status.
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The Government of India has been urged to grant consular access to those Pakistani prisoners still awaiting it and to ensure their safety, security, and well-being.
Reaffirming its stance, the Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan’s continued commitment to addressing humanitarian issues and reiterated efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners currently in Indian custody.
