India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged updated lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody, continuing a long-standing bilateral practice carried out twice a year under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
The exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad on July 1, in accordance with the agreement, which requires both countries to share such information every year on January 1 and July 1.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has provided Islamabad with the details of 439 individuals in its custody, comprising 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani.
"India has shared lists of 386 civil prisoners and 53 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 52 civil prisoners and 198 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or believed-to-be-Indian," said the External Affairs ministry in a press release.
Pakistan, in turn, shared the names of 250 people, including 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen who are either Indian nationals or believed to be Indian.
Alongside the exchange of lists, India renewed its call for the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals who remain in Pakistani custody after completing their legal proceedings.
The MEA said New Delhi has asked Islamabad to facilitate the return of 188 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have already completed their sentences.
"Pakistan has been urged to expedite the release and repatriation of 188 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners, who have completed their sentences," read the MEA press release.
The PM Modi-led Centre also reiterated its demand for immediate consular access to 13 civilian prisoners believed to be Indian nationals who, according to the MEA, have not yet been granted access to Indian officials despite repeated requests.
New Delhi further urged Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian prisoners until they are released and returned home.
"As a result of sustained efforts by the Government of India, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 78 Indian civil prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. These include 500 Indian fishermen and 20 Indian civil prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date," the ministry further informed.
