Islamabad (GNP): Pakistan and India have exchanged updated lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody as part of a long standing bilateral agreement on consular access.
The exchange took place through diplomatic channels and follows the provisions of the agreement signed between the two countries in May 2008. Under the agreement, both nations are required to share prisoner lists twice every year, on January 1 and July 1.
The process is aimed at improving transparency, facilitating consular access, and helping prisoners return to their home countries after completing legal requirements. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan provided India with a list of 250 Indian prisoners currently in Pakistani custody. The list includes 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen.
At the same time, India shared a list of 439 Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails. The list includes 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen. Pakistan also urged India to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has already been confirmed.
These individuals include 64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen. Pakistani authorities emphasized that these prisoners should be allowed to return home without unnecessary delays. The government further called on India to ensure the safety, security, and well being of all Pakistani and believed to be Pakistani prisoners who remain in Indian custody.
Officials also highlights the importance of respecting humanitarian principles and international obligations concerning detainees.In addition, Pakistan requested expedited consular access to all believed-to-be Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. Faster consular access would help verify their nationality and speed up the process of repatriation where applicable.
The regular exchange of prisoner lists remains one of the few continuing diplomatic mechanisms between Pakistan and India despite broader political differences. The arrangement helps both countries maintain communication on humanitarian issues and supports efforts to reunite prisoners with their families after legal procedures are completed.
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Officials noted that Pakistan will continue working through diplomatic channels to secure the early return of Pakistani prisoners. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens and pursuing humanitarian solutions in matters involving detainees. The latest exchange shows an ongoing effort by both neighboring countries to fulfill their obligations under the bilateral agreement while addressing concerns related to prisoners and fishermen who are often detained after inadvertently crossing maritime boundaries.
Observers view the prisoner list exchange as an important confidence building measure that can contribute to humanitarian cooperation between the two nations, even during periods of strained relations. As both governments continue discussions through diplomatic channels, families of prisoners on both sides hope the process will lead to quicker releases, improved consular access, and the safe return of their loved ones.
