India and Pakistan Exchange Lists of Missing Defence Personnel and Civilian Prisoners

India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen detained in each other's custody, along with a list of missing defence personnel from the wars of 1965 and 1971. This is part of the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, aiming for the release and repatriation of prisoners who have completed their sentences.

In a significant diplomatic move on Monday, Pakistan provided India with a list of defence personnel missing since the wars of 1965 and 1971, while both nations also exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody, according to the Foreign Office.

The exchange, conducted through diplomatic channels, saw simultaneous actions in New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan's list included 38 missing defence personnel believed to be in Indian custody. Meanwhile, India shared a list of 452 Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen, with Pakistan reciprocating with 254 Indian nationals.

Consistent with the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, this exchange is a biannual practice on January 1 and July 1. Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and requested special consular access for physically and mentally challenged detainees.