Pakistan and India on Monday have agreed to exchange lists of prisoners through diplomatic means in Islamabad and new Delhi on Monday.
This biannual exchange aligns with the 2008 Consular Access Agreement which states that such lists be shared on January 1st and July 1st each year.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Pakistani authorities sent a list comprising 254 individuals, identified as Indian or believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen currently held in Pakistani jails.
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In return, India provided a list of 452 detainees, categorized as Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indian jails.
Moreover, Pakistan sent a list of 38 missing Pakistani defense personnel who are likely to have been in Indian custody since the conflicts of 1965 and 1971.
Pakistan, India exchange lists of prisoners, nuclear installations pic.twitter.com/foV1ucM6OQ
— Ashar Hussain (@_asharhussain) January 1, 2022
The Pakistani government has urged India to speed up the release and return of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences.
Pakistan has also sought special consular access to certain detainees thought to be Pakistani nationals, especially those with physical or mental health challenges, and has requested swift confirmation of their national status.
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In a major appeal, Pakistan has called on India to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners who are awaiting release.
The Government of Pakistan is using all means to facilitate the prompt return of all Pakistani prisoners held in India.
Notably, these efforts have enabled the return of 62 Pakistani prisoners in 2023, with an additional four repatriated so far this year.
