India and Pakistan Exchange Prisoner Lists Amid Calls for Rapid Repatriation

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in custody as per their 2008 bilateral agreement. India calls for swift repatriation and consular access, highlighting 159 Indian prisoners awaiting release. Since 2014, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan.

In accordance with the 2008 bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, India and Pakistan engaged in a coordinated exchange of lists detailing civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody. This diplomatic exercise occurred simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Pakistan to provide immediate consular access to 26 prisoners, expedite the release of 159 Indian fishermen and civilians, and verify the nationality of 80 individuals believed to be Pakistani, whose return to their homeland is pending.

Sustained diplomatic focus has led to the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan since 2014, including 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners this year alone. India remains firmly committed to resolving all humanitarian matters, focusing on accelerated prisoner repatriations.

(With inputs from agencies.)