In accordance with the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008, Pakistan and India on Tuesday exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody.

This routine exchange, mandated to occur twice a year on January 1 and July 1, was conducted through diplomatic channels, according to a statement issued here by the Foreign Office.

The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners – comprising 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen – to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

Simultaneously, the Government of India provided a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, which includes 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen, to a diplomat from the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi.

Pakistan has urged India to facilitate the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences and whose national status has been confirmed.

Additionally, Pakistan has requested special consular access for all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including those who are physically or mentally challenged, to expedite the verification of their nationality.

The Government of Pakistan also called on India to provide consular access to all Pakistani prisoners who have not yet received it and emphasized the need to ensure their safety, security, and well-being while in Indian custody.

Reaffirming its commitment to resolving humanitarian issues on priority, Pakistan stated that it will continue efforts for the early repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails.