Prisoner Exchange Between Pakistan and India

On Monday, Pakistan and India exchanged lists detailing the prisoners in their respective custody, adhering to the stipulations of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. This agreement mandates that such data be shared biannually, specifically on January 1 and July 1.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry reported that Pakistan presented a list featuring 246 Indian or presumed-Indian prisoners. This figure included 53 civilians and 193 fishermen. The list was given to a representative from the Indian High Commission present in Islamabad.

Concurrently, India submitted a list containing 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners to an official of the Pakistani High Commission located in New Delhi. This roster was composed of 382 civilians and 81 fishermen.

Pakistan has urged for the prompt release and return of all Pakistani citizens who have served their sentences and whose citizenship has been properly confirmed.

Islamabad has also asked for specific consular access to all prisoners believed to be Pakistani, notably those facing physical or mental health challenges, to facilitate and accelerate the verification of their national identity.

In its official communication, Pakistan further pressed India to permit consular access to every prisoner awaiting it, and to guarantee the safety, security, and overall well-being of all Pakistani detainees held within Indian facilities.

The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to prioritizing humanitarian concerns and affirmed its ongoing commitment to ensuring the swift repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners detained in Indian prisons.