Pakistan and India on Wednesday exchanged lists of prisoners in each other's custody through diplomatic channels, in compliance with the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed on May 21, 2008. The agreement mandates that both sides exchange these lists on January 1 and July 1 every year.
Details of Prisoner Lists Exchanged
The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 250 Indian prisoners currently in Pakistani custody to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This list includes 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen. Simultaneously, the Government of India provided a list of 439 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails, comprising 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen, according to a press statement by the Foreign Office Spokesperson.
Call for Release of Completed-Sentence Prisoners
Pakistan urged India to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been confirmed. This group includes 64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen. The Foreign Office statement emphasized: “India was also urged to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Pakistani and believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners awaiting release and repatriation.”
Demand for Consular Access
The Government of Pakistan also called for expeditious consular access to all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners to facilitate early confirmation of their nationality. The spokesperson further stated that Pakistan will continue its efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners from India.
