Pakistan, India exchange prisoners’ lists under agreement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners in their respective jails under a bilateral agreement.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Pakistan and India today exchanged lists of prisoners in their respective jails through diplomatic channels under the bilateral agreement on consular access.

According to the agreement signed between the two countries on May 21, 2008, the two countries are required to exchange these lists on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

The statement said that the Government of Pakistan handed over the list of 250 prisoners here to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, which includes 52 general prisoners and 198 fishermen.

Similarly, the Government of India provided a list of 439 Pakistanis or presumed Pakistanis, which includes 386 general citizens and 53 fishermen, who are in Indian jails.

It was further stated that the Government of India was urged to release 97 Pakistanis, including 64 civilians and 33 fishermen, who have completed their sentences and whose citizenship has also been verified.

India was urged to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Pakistanis or presumed Pakistani prisoners awaiting release and repatriation.

The Government of Pakistan was requested to provide consular access to all prisoners who are being presented as Pakistani citizens and to facilitate verification of their citizenship.

The Foreign Office said that the Government of Pakistan would continue its efforts to ensure the immediate return of all Pakistani prisoners.