Pakistan, India Exchange Prisoner Lists Under 2008 Agreement

The semi-annual exchange of prisoner lists between Pakistan and India took place today through diplomatic channels.

The exchange was made under the 2008 bilateral consular access agreement, under which both countries are obliged to provide each other with lists of prisoners in their custody on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan provided the Indian High Commission representative in Islamabad with a list of 246 Indian or presumed Indian prisoners, including 53 civilians and 193 fishermen.

Meanwhile, India provided the Pakistani High Commission diplomat in New Delhi with a list of 463 Pakistanis or presumed Pakistanis held in custody, including 382 civilians and 81 fishermen.

Pakistan has demanded that India immediately release all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences and whose citizenship has been confirmed.

Provide special consular access to all these prisoners, especially those with mental and physical disabilities, to expedite the process of verifying citizenship.

Provide consular access to prisoners who have not yet been provided with this facility. Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.

The Foreign Office has made it clear that the Government of Pakistan is committed to resolving these issues on a priority basis on humanitarian grounds and will continue its efforts for the early repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners languishing in Indian jails.