Pakistan, India exchange lists of prisoners today

Islamabad: Pakistan and India on Monday exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other's custody through diplomatic channels in Islamabad and New Delhi.

According to the Foreign Office, these exchanges occur simultaneously on January 1st and July 1st each year, as per the Consular Access Agreement of 2008.

Pakistan provided a list of 254 civilian prisoners and fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indian held in Pakistani jails. India, in turn, shared a list of 452 civilian prisoners and fishermen who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani in Indian jails.

Additionally, Pakistan handed over a list of 38 missing defense personnel believed to be in Indian custody since the wars of 1965 and 1971.

Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India. Requests have been made for special consular access to various believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including those who are physically and mentally challenged, as well as for the swift confirmation of their national status.

Pakistan also urged India to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners awaiting their release and repatriation.

Pakistan remains committed to addressing humanitarian issues as a priority and will continue its efforts to secure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. As part of these endeavors, the repatriation of 62 Pakistani prisoners in 2023 and four so far this year has been achieved.