India, Pakistan exchange lists of prisoners and fishermen in custody

India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody. The exchange took place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad through diplomatic channels, as part of a bilateral agreement.

Under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, both countries exchange these lists twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.

According to the latest exchange:

• India shared a list of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen who are either confirmed or believed to be Pakistani nationals.

• Pakistan shared a list of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen who are either confirmed or believed to be Indian nationals.

India has requested the early release and repatriation of Indian civilian prisoners, fishermen, and missing defence personnel.

Specifically, it has asked Pakistan to expedite the release of 159 Indian nationals who have completed their prison sentences. It also sought consular access for 26 individuals in Pakistani custody who are believed to be Indian and have not yet been granted such access.

India further requested that Pakistan ensure the safety and well-being of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian detainees until their return.

India also reiterated its commitment to resolving humanitarian issues on priority, including those concerning prisoners and fishermen. It has urged Pakistan to speed up nationality verification for 80 individuals believed to be Pakistani nationals currently in Indian custody, to facilitate their repatriation.

More from World

Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 jolts Assam, tremors felt in Bhutan and north Bengal 5 US F-35 jets land in Puerto Rico amid tensions with Venezuela

Since 2014, Pakistan has repatriated 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners. This includes 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners released since 2023.