On Wednesday, Pakistan and India fulfilled their biannual obligation by exchanging lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen detained in each other’s custody, under the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access. Islamabad reiterated its demand for the release of Pakistani prisoners who have served their full sentences.
The exchange was conducted via diplomatic channels, with Pakistan submitting its list to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, while India provided its list to Pakistani authorities. This procedure is mandated by the agreement signed between the two nations in 2008.
the Foreign Office, Pakistan handed over details of 250 Indian detainees, including 52 civilians and 198 fishermen. Conversely, India shared information on 439 individuals believed to be Pakistani nationals held in its jails, comprising 386 civilians and 53 fishermen.
The Agreement on Consular Access, established on May 21, 2008, requires both countries to exchange comprehensive prisoner lists twice yearly, on January 1 and July 1.
In a significant development, Pakistan urged India to promptly release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences. Islamabad also called on New Delhi to guarantee the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani detainees and to grant consular access without delay to those identified as Pakistani nationals.
Reaffirming its dedication to protecting its citizens abroad, Pakistan emphasized its ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the early repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners held in India.
