In a diplomatic exchange, India and Pakistan have submitted lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen currently in their custody. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement urging Pakistan to expedite the release of 184 Indian fishermen who have completed their sentences. The call for immediate consular access to the remaining 12 civilian prisoners believed to be Indian was also emphasized.
Under the terms of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged biannually, with the recent exchange taking place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan shared lists of 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen in its custody, believed to be Indian, while India reciprocated by sharing information on 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, believed to be Pakistani.
India has specifically urged Pakistan to hasten the release and repatriation of the 184 Indian fishermen who have served their sentences. Additionally, India has requested Pakistan to confirm the nationality of 65 prisoners, including fishermen, believed to be Pakistani, whose repatriation is pending due to a lack of confirmation from Pakistan.
This exchange of lists and the subsequent diplomatic calls underscore the ongoing efforts between the two nations to address humanitarian concerns and ensure the timely release and repatriation of individuals held in each other’s custody.
