New delhi: India and Pakistan exchanged on Tuesday lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Indian External Affairs Ministry announced that the exchange of prisoners' lists occurred through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. This exchange is conducted under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, with both nations exchanging such lists every January 1st and July 1st.
The statement from the Indian External Affairs Ministry revealed that India has provided the names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. Conversely, Pakistan has shared the names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or believed to be Indian.
Furthermore, New Delhi has called for the early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners and fishermen, along with their boats, and has also requested the return of missing Indian defense personnel from Pakistan's custody. India urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. Additionally, India has requested Pakistan to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen pending their release and repatriation to India.