Currently, there are over 450 Pakistanis in Indian jails. They are imprisoned under various allegations, including crossing the border illegally and spying for Pakistan. Several Pakistani fishermen are also in Indian jails for allegedly crossing the border at sea and fishing in Indian waters.
On Monday, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s jails through their diplomatic channels in Islamabad and New Delhi. As per the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, these lists are exchanged twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st.
Pakistan provided a list of 254 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners, including fishermen, held in Pakistan. India shared a list of 452 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, held in India. Additionally, Pakistan handed over a list of 38 Pakistani defense personnel missing since the 1965 and 1971 wars, believed to be in Indian custody.
Pakistan has urged India to immediately release and repatriate Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences. It also requested special consular access for some prisoners, including those who are physically or mentally challenged, and asked for quick verification of their nationality. Pakistan emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. The country remains committed to resolving humanitarian issues and securing the early return of its prisoners from India.
So far, 62 Pakistani prisoners have been repatriated in 2023, and four more have returned this year.
