ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India on Monday exchanged lists of prisoners in each other’s custody through diplomatic channel, in Islamabad and New Delhi.
According to a press release issued by the foreign office, these lists are exchanged simultaneously, in pursuance of the Consular Access Agreement of 2008 on the 1st of January and 1st of July every year.
Pakistan handed over a list of 254 Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani jails while India shared a list of 452 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen languishing in Indian jails.
The foreign office said a list of 38 missing Pakistani defence personnel, believed to be in India’s custody since the wars of 1965 and 1971, was also handed over by Pakistan.
The government of Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India. It said a request for special consular access to different believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including the physically- and mentally ill prisoners, has been made for expeditious confirmation of their national status.
“The Government of Pakistan has also urged India to ensure safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, awaiting their release and repatriation,” the press release said.
It said the government of Pakistan is committed to addressing humanitarian issues as a priority. It will continue its efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. As part of these measures repatriation of 62 Pakistani prisoners in 2023, and 04 in the current year, has so far been secured.
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Exchange of Lists of Prisoners Between Pakistan and India
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 1, 2024
