India, Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Fishermen Under Bilateral Agreement
India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody via diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad. This exchange is part of a biannual process stipulated by the 2008 bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, requiring such exchanges on January 1 and July 1 each year.
According to the lists, India has identified 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody as Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani nationals. Conversely, Pakistan has identified 45 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody as Indian or believed to be Indian nationals.
The Indian government has urged the expeditious release and repatriation of Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, along with their boats and any missing defense personnel from Pakistani custody. Specifically, Pakistan has been asked to hasten the release of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. Furthermore, India has requested immediate consular access for 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen suspected to be Indian nationals who have not yet received such access.
India has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and suspected Indian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani custody pending their release and repatriation.
Reaffirming its dedication to resolving humanitarian issues, India has prioritized the situation of prisoners and fishermen in respective countries. In this regard, India has also asked Pakistan to complete nationality verification for 80 individuals currently in Indian custody who are believed to be Pakistani prisoners and fishermen. Their repatriation is delayed due to pending confirmation of their nationalities.
Since 2014, persistent diplomatic initiatives by India have resulted in the return of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan. This includes the repatriation of 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners since 2023.
