Pakistan, India exchange prisoners' lists 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and India on Wednesday exchanged updated lists of prisoners held in each other's custody through diplomatic channels under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access.

The agreement, signed on 21 May 2008, obligates both countries to share these lists twice every year, specifically on January 1 and 1 July 1.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, Pakistan submitted a list of 250 Indian nationals currently detained in the country to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

The list comprises 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen.

At the same time, India shared a list containing the names of 439 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen, who are being held in Indian prisons.

Pakistan also urged the Indian government to facilitate the release and repatriation of 97 Pakistani prisoners—64 civilians and 33 fishermen—who have already completed their sentences and whose nationality has been officially verified.

“India was also urged to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Pakistani and believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners awaiting release and repatriation,” it was added.

The government of Pakistan also called for expeditious consular access to all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners without unnecessary delay so that their citizenship could be confirmed at the earliest, paving the way for their return.

The spokesperson further said that the government of Pakistan would continue its efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners.