Islamabad: Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody today, continuing a practice established under the Agreement on Consular Access, 2008. This agreement mandates the biannual exchange of such lists on January 1 and July 1.

The Government of Pakistan provided a list to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, detailing 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners. This includes 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen.

Concurrently, the Indian Government presented a list to the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi. This list comprises 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani detainees, with 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen.

Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of its nationals who have completed their sentences and had their national status confirmed. Additionally, Pakistan has requested special consular access for prisoners believed to be Pakistani, including those with physical and mental challenges, to expedite the confirmation of their national status.

The Pakistani government has urged India to grant consular access to prisoners still awaiting such access and to ensure the safety and well-being of all Pakistani detainees.

Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian concerns remains steadfast, with the government emphasizing its efforts to secure the early return of its citizens held in Indian jails.