ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India on Sunday (Jan 1) exchanged through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad the list of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody.
According to details available with MM News, under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on 01 January and 01 July.
India shared lists of 339 Pakistani prisoners and 98 Pakistani fishermen currently languishing in Indian custody. Similarly, Pakistan shared list of 51 civilian prisoners and 654 fisherman in its custody, who
are Indians are or believed to be Indians.
According to Indian media, the New Delhi government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defense personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody.
In this context, Pakistan was asked to expediate the release and repatriation of 631 Indian fishermen and 02 Indian civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan.
In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 30 fishermen and 22 civilian prisoners In Pakistan’s custody who are believed to be Indians.
A statement released by the Government of India reads “India remains committed to addressing on priority, all humanitarian matters including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other’s country. In this context India has also urged Pakistan to expedite necessary action at its end to confirm the nationality status of 71 Pakistani prisoners, including fisherman, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan.”
The statement further reads “Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen pending their release and repatriation to India.”
