India seeks early release of its prisoners from Pak
India seeks early release of its prisoners from Pak
M.U.H
02/01/202626
India on Thursday reiterated its call for the early release and repatriation of civil prisoners and fishermen, along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan’s custody as the two countries exchanged the lists of civil prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s custody on Thursday.
A long-standing confidence-building measure between the two nations, the exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs officials, India shared details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen, who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani nationals, and are currently in India’s custody. Pakistan, in turn, provided a list of 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen, who are Indian or believed to be Indian nationals.
During the exchange, Pakistan was specifically urged to expedite the release of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have already completed their sentences.
India also sought immediate consular access to 35 civil prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan’s custody who are believed to be Indian nationals but have not been granted such access so far.
The government further asked Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indians and believed-to-be-Indian detainees, pending their release and repatriation.
The Ministry of External Affairs asserted that sustained diplomatic efforts had yielded results over the years. Since 2014, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civil prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan. Of these, 500 fishermen and 13 civil prisoners have returned since 2023.
Additionally, India and Pakistan also exchanged the lists of nuclear installations and facilities covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.
The agreement, signed on December 31, 1988, and in force since January 27, 1991, mandates that both countries inform each other of their respective nuclear installations on January 1 every year.
Thursday’s exchange marked the 35th consecutive annual exchange of such lists, the first having taken place on January 1, 1992, officials said.
