Pakistan and India Exchange Lists of Prisoners Under Diplomatic Agreement

Islamabad: Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of prisoners in each other’s custody as part of a diplomatic arrangement. This exchange was conducted under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, which stipulates that both countries provide such lists every year on January 1 and July 1.
According to a spokesperson from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Pakistani government handed over a list of 246 Indian prisoners or individuals believed to be Indian nationals to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The list includes 53 civilians and 193 fishermen.
In return, India provided a list of 463 Pakistani prisoners or individuals believed to be Pakistani nationals to a diplomat from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This list includes 382 civilians and 81 fishermen.
The Pakistani government has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been verified. Additionally, Pakistan has requested special consular access for those prisoners, including those who are mentally or physically disabled, to expedite the confirmation of their nationality and ensure that they receive consular support.
The spokesperson further emphasized that the Indian government should ensure the safety, security, and well-being of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. The Pakistani government continues to prioritize such humanitarian issues and will persist in its efforts to ensure the swift return of all Pakistani prisoners held in India.