New Delhi, July 1: India and Pakistan have exchanged updated lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody under the Consular Access Agreement. During this exchange, India reiterated its demand for the prompt release and repatriation of 188 Indian prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences.
The lists were shared through diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Islamabad. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Pakistan to expedite the release of civilian prisoners, fishermen, their boats, and missing Indian defense personnel currently held in Pakistan.
Under the Consular Access Agreement established in 2008, both countries share lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody every January 1 and July 1.
India provided Pakistan with a list of 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen, all of whom are Pakistani or are likely to be so. In return, Pakistan shared a list of 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen, who are Indian or are likely to be Indian.
The Ministry stated, “The Indian government has consistently requested Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen, their boats, and missing Indian defense personnel. Pakistan has been urged to accelerate the process for the 188 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences.”
Additionally, India has requested Pakistan to grant immediate consular access to 13 civilian prisoners who are considered Indian but have not yet received this facility. The Indian government has emphasized that until these prisoners are released and returned to India, their safety, care, and well-being must be ensured.
According to the Ministry, due to the Indian government’s continuous efforts, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 78 Indian civilian prisoners have returned from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 500 fishermen and 20 civilian prisoners who have returned in 2023 alone.
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