Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, with Islamabad urging New Delhi to immediately release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has already been verified.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the exchange took place through diplomatic channels as part of the bilateral agreement, which requires both countries to exchange prisoner lists on January 1 and July 1 every year.
Pakistan handed over a list of 250 Indian nationals in its custody to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The list includes 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen.
In return, India shared a list of 439 Pakistani or believed-to-be Pakistani prisoners held in Indian prisons, comprising 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan has formally requested India to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners, including 64 civilians and 33 fishermen, who have completed their jail terms and whose Pakistani nationality has been officially confirmed.
Islamabad also urged New Delhi to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Pakistani and believed-to-be Pakistani prisoners awaiting release.
Additionally, Pakistan called on India to provide expeditious consular access to prisoners whose nationality has yet to be confirmed, saying this would facilitate their early identification and eventual repatriation.
The Foreign Office reaffirmed that the Government of Pakistan would continue its diplomatic efforts to secure the safe and early return of all Pakistani prisoners held in India.
The exchange of prisoner lists remains one of the few confidence-building measures still functioning between the two neighbouring countries despite strained bilateral relations.
The latest exchange comes amid continued diplomatic tensions following last year’s military confrontation and ongoing differences over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over India’s suspension of the treaty, warning that any violation of Pakistan’s water rights could have serious consequences for regional peace and stability.
