Pakistan, India exchange lists of prisoners

The Bi-annual exchange noted 381 Pakistani, 49 Indian civilian prisoners and 81 Pakistani, 217 Indian fishermen.

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New Delhi: India and Pakistan exchanged Wednesday lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody. The exchange took place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad through diplomatic channels, as per the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008. This annual exchange occurs every year on 1 January and 1 July.

 

India disclosed the names of 381 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, a PIB press release stated. Pakistan has provided the names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen in their custody who are Indian or believed to be Indian.

The Indian government has urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of all civilian prisoners and fishermen, along with their boats, and missing Indian defense personnel. India has requested Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences, the release added. Pakistan has been urged to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen while they await their release and repatriation. India has emphasised its commitment to prioritizing humanitarian matters, including those related to prisoners and fishermen.

Since 2014, the Indian government’s efforts have resulted in the repatriation of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan. This includes 478 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners repatriated since 2023, the release noted.