India, Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Fishermen; 167 Indians Await Repatriation

New Delhi, Jan 1: India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged lists of civil prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s custody under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The exchange was carried out simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad. India shared details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. Pakistan, in turn, provided a list of 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indian and currently in its custody.

The Government of India reiterated its demand for the early release and repatriation of all Indian civil prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan’s custody. India also urged Pakistan to expedite the repatriation of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have already completed their sentences but continue to remain detained.

In addition, India sought immediate consular access to 35 civil prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan’s custody who are believed to be Indian nationals but have not yet been granted such access. The MEA also called upon Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian prisoners and fishermen until their release and return to India.

The MEA noted that sustained diplomatic efforts by India have resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civil prisoners from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 500 fishermen and 13 civil prisoners who have been brought back since 2023.

India and Pakistan exchange such lists twice every year, on January 1 and July 1, as mandated under the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008.