India-Pakistan Diplomatic Exchange: Civilian Prisoners and Fishermen Repatriated

The Ministry of External Affairs of India announced that India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. Since 2014, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan due to New Delhi's persistent efforts.

In a continued diplomatic effort, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen detained in each other's custody, announced the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday. This exchange, occurring annually on January 1 and July 1 under the 2008 Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, exemplifies sustained bilateral diplomacy.

India has disclosed 366 civilian prisoners and 86 fishermen believed to be Pakistani in its custody, while Pakistan revealed 43 civilian prisoners and 211 fishermen assumed to be Indian. The Indian government has urged Pakistan for the 'early release and repatriation' of these detainees, stressing humane treatment and consular access.

Emphasizing its humanitarian commitment, India appealed to Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process for 75 detainees assumed to be Pakistani. Since 2014, India has successfully facilitated the return of 2,639 fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan, highlighting the importance of consistent diplomatic efforts.