New Delhi, India, July 1: India on Wednesday called for the early release and repatriation of 188 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have completed their sentences in Pakistan. It also sought immediate consular access to 13 civil prisoners believed to be Indian nationals who have not yet been granted such access.
The demand came as India and Pakistan exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. The exchange is carried out twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India shared the names of 386 civil prisoners and 53 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani. Pakistan, in return, shared the names of 52 civil prisoners and 198 fishermen in its custody who are Indian nationals or believed to be Indian.
The MEA said India has urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of the 188 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have completed their sentences. It also requested Pakistan to provide immediate consular access to the 13 civil prisoners believed to be Indian nationals who have not been granted access so far.
India reiterated its call for the release and repatriation of civil prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel believed to be in Pakistan’s custody. The government also urged Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian prisoners until their return.
The MEA said that since 2014, sustained diplomatic efforts have resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 78 Indian civil prisoners from Pakistan. Of these, 500 fishermen and 20 civil prisoners have been repatriated since 2023.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the exchange of prisoner lists and stated that it had handed over to the Indian High Commission a list of 250 Indian prisoners, including 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen.
Pakistan also urged India to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen, who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been confirmed.