Twenty-five Pakistani nationals were released from Indian prisons and returned to Pakistan, with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi confirming their repatriation on Saturday. The individuals crossed back into Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border, where officials from the Pakistani mission were present to facilitate the process.
In a statement, the High Commission emphasized that the government of Pakistan remains committed to securing the release and repatriation of all Pakistani nationals detained in India. This development follows the recent exchange of prisoner lists between the two countries under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement.
Notably, the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (FCS) extended congratulations to the fishing community on the release of the 25 fishermen. The society expressed optimism that the freed individuals would soon reunite with their families and resume their normal lives. It also acknowledged the cooperation and efforts of various government institutions in achieving this outcome.
Almost a month prior, Pakistan and India exchanged detailed lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody. Pakistan provided a list to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, including 250 Indian prisoners—comprising 52 civilians and 198 fishermen. Meanwhile, India submitted a list of 439 Pakistani or presumed Pakistani detainees, including 386 civilians and 53 fishermen.
In a significant appeal, Islamabad urged New Delhi to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners—64 civilians and 33 fishermen—who have completed their sentences and whose Pakistani nationality has been verified.
