ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners in each other’s custody through diplomat-ic channels on Monday, the foreign office said in a statement.
This exchange, occurring simultaneously in Islamabad and New Delhi, follows the Consular Access Agreement of 2008, which mandates such exchanges on January 1 and July 1 each year.
Pakistan provided a list of 254 Indian or presumed Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani jails. India, in turn, shared a list of 452 Pakistani or presumed Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indian jails. Additionally, Pakistan handed over a list of 38 missing Pakistani defence personnel, be-lieved to be in India’s custody since the wars of 1965 and 1971.
“The Government of Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India,” said the statement.
“We have also requested special consular access to various presumed Pakistani prisoners, including those who are physically and mentally challenged, and for the expeditious confirmation of their na-tional status.” The statement added that Pakistan has urged India to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or presumed Pakistani prisoners awaiting their release and repatriation. –Agencies
