New Delhi, July 1:India has renewed its appeal to Pakistan for the release and repatriation of 188 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have completed their sentences. New Delhi has also sought immediate consular access to 13 civil prisoners believed to be Indian nationals who have yet to receive such access.
The request came as India and Pakistan exchanged lists of prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. The exchange, conducted simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, takes place twice a year on January 1 and July 1.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India shared details of 386 civil prisoners and 53 fishermen in its custody who are either Pakistani nationals or believed to be Pakistani. Pakistan, in turn, provided a list of 52 civil prisoners and 198 fishermen who are Indian nationals or are believed to be Indian.
The MEA said India has urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of the 188 Indian prisoners who have completed their jail terms. It also reiterated its demand for immediate consular access to the 13 civil prisoners believed to be Indian nationals who remain without such access.
The ministry emphasized that the Government of India has consistently advocated for the early release and repatriation of Indian civil prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel believed to be in Pakistan's custody.
India further called on Pakistan to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian prisoners until their release and return.
The MEA highlighted that sustained diplomatic efforts have resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 78 Indian civil prisoners from Pakistan since 2014. Of these, 500 fishermen and 20 civil prisoners have returned to India since 2023.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the exchange of prisoner lists under the bilateral agreement. Islamabad stated that it had handed over a list of 250 Indian prisoners to the Indian High Commission, including 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen.
Pakistan also urged India to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani nationals—64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen—who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been verified.
