Pakistan, India exchange prisoners lists under 2008 bilateral pact

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Pakistan

Foreign Office spokesperson Monday said Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of prisoners.

Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian prisoners to the Indian High Commission, which includes 53 civilians and 193 fishermen.

On the other hand, India provided a list of 463 Pakistani prisoners detained in Indian jails to the Pakistani High Commission in Islamabad. The list includes 382 civilians and 81 fishermen.

According to the Foreign Office, the exchange of prisoners’ lists is conducted under the 2008 bilateral agreement, which mandates that both countries share these lists twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.

Pakistan has urged India to immediately release prisoners who have completed their sentences and called for consular access to all Pakistani prisoners to expedite the verification of their citizenship.

The spokesperson emphasized that ensuring the safety and well-being of all detained Pakistani nationals is the responsibility of the Indian government.