New Delhi/Islamabad: India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody on Tuesday as part of a routine diplomatic exercise under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
The exchange was carried out simultaneously through official channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
According to the data shared, India handed over a list of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be so. Pakistan, in turn, shared details of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen believed to be Indian.
The MEA reiterated India’s demand for the early release and repatriation of all Indian civilian prisoners, missing defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats currently in Pakistan’s custody. It specifically urged Pakistan to expedite the release of 159 Indian nationals who have already completed their sentences.
Additionally, India has pressed for immediate consular access to 26 individuals in Pakistani jails who are believed to be Indian but have yet to be granted such access. Pakistan has also been urged to ensure the safety and welfare of all Indian prisoners and fishermen awaiting repatriation.
India reaffirmed its commitment to addressing humanitarian concerns, including the plight of detainees, and called on Pakistan to speed up nationality verification for 80 suspected Pakistani nationals currently in Indian custody whose repatriation is pending confirmation.
The ministry highlighted that since 2014, a total of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 500 fishermen and 13 civilians since 2023.
Notably, the exchange of lists comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions between the two neighbours. The recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-based militants, prompted India to launch “Operation Sindoor” targeting terror camps across the border in PoK and Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly launched missile and drone strikes on Indian cities, escalating hostilities before a ceasefire was re-established.
