In line with an established bilateral agreement, Pakistan and India exchanged updated lists of each other’s citizens currently held in detention, the Foreign Office confirmed on Monday.
As part of the exchange, Pakistan submitted details of 246 Indian nationals to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This list comprises 53 civilians and 193 fishermen, currently in Pakistani custody.
Conversely, India provided Pakistan with a list identifying 463 Pakistani detainees, including 382 civilians and 81 fishermen, who are incarcerated in various Indian jails.
The Foreign Office clarified that this exchange follows the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, which requires both countries to share comprehensive lists of prisoners twice annually—on January 1 and July 1.
In addition, Pakistan urged Indian authorities to promptly release all Pakistani prisoners who have already completed their legal sentences. The government also reiterated its demand for consular access to all Pakistani nationals detained in India, stressing the need to speed up citizenship verification procedures.
The spokesperson further highlighted that India is responsible for ensuring the welfare, safety, and legal rights of all Pakistani prisoners currently held on its soil.
