ISLAMABAD – In line with the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access (2008), Pakistan and India on Monday exchanged lists of prisoners detained in each other’s custody. The exchange, conducted biannually on January 1 and July 1, reflects a continuing diplomatic protocol between the two neighbours.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian prisoners, which includes 53 civilians and 193 fishermen, to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Simultaneously, India provided a list of 463 Pakistani prisoners — comprising 382 civilians and 81 fishermen — to an official from Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi.
Pakistan has called for the early release and repatriation of all Pakistani nationals who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been verified. The Foreign Office also requested consular access to all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, particularly those suffering from physical or mental health conditions, to assist in confirming their identities.
Furthermore, Islamabad emphasized the need for India to grant consular access to remaining prisoners still awaiting it and to ensure their safety and welfare.
Reaffirming its humanitarian stance, the Foreign Office underscored Pakistan’s commitment to securing the safe and swift return of all its nationals detained in Indian prisons
