Pakistan, India exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India on Wednesday exchanged, through diplomatic channels, the lists of prisoners in each other's custody under an agreement signed in May 2008. 

Under the Agreement on Consular Access, both sides are required to exchange these lists on 1 January and 1 July each year.

In a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad shared a list of over 250 Indian prisoners — 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen — with the Indian High Commission. 

Similarly, New Delhi provided a list of “439 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen, who are in Indian jails,” the Foreign Office said.

Islamabad called on New Delhi to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners, 64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen, who have completed their sentences and their nationality has been confirmed, it said, urging India to ensure the safety, security and well-being of prisoners awaiting release and repatriation.

“Pakistan also called for expeditious consular access to all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners to facilitate the early confirmation of their nationality,” FO said, adding that Islamabad would continue efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners.