Pakistan and India Exchange Lists of Prisoners as Part of Biannual Consular Agreement
In a routine diplomatic move, Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, which mandates such an exchange twice a year—on January 1 and July 1.
According to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, this exchange is aimed at maintaining transparency and upholding the rights of detained individuals under international and bilateral commitments.
Pakistan Hands Over List of 246 Indian Prisoners
The Government of Pakistan submitted a list of 246 Indian or presumed Indian prisoners to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The list includes:
-
53 civilian detainees
-
193 fishermen
These individuals are currently being held in various Pakistani prisons for offenses including illegal entry and maritime violations.
India Shares List of 463 Pakistani Prisoners
Simultaneously, the Indian government handed over a list of 463 Pakistani or presumed Pakistani prisoners to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This list comprises:
-
382 civilians
-
81 fishermen
These prisoners have been arrested on similar charges, often involving inadvertent border crossings or violations of immigration laws.
Pakistan Calls for Immediate Repatriation
Pakistan has formally requested the immediate release and repatriation of all those prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been verified. Emphasis was placed on:
-
Speedy processing of cases of mentally or physically disabled prisoners
-
Granting urgent consular access to facilitate verification of their citizenship
Appeal for Humanitarian Treatment and Welfare
The Foreign Office also urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and humane treatment of Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails. Pakistan reiterated that it continues to prioritize such cases on humanitarian grounds and is committed to securing the early return of its citizens.
This biannual exchange remains one of the few functioning confidence-building measures (CBMs) between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, especially at a time of broader diplomatic tension.