Pakistan and India marked a significant diplomatic exchange today as they swapped lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody, adhering to the Consular Access Agreement of 2008. The exchange, conducted through diplomatic channels in Islamabad and New Delhi, underscores ongoing efforts to address humanitarian concerns between the neighboring nations.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Pakistan handed over a comprehensive list comprising 254 Indian civilians and fishermen currently detained in Pakistani jails. In return, India provided a list detailing 452 Pakistani civilians and fishermen incarcerated in Indian prisons.
Highlighting a longstanding issue, Pakistan also presented a list of 38 missing defence personnel believed to have been in Indian custody since the conflicts of 1965 and 1971. The government has emphasized the urgent need for their release and repatriation.
Additionally, Pakistan has urged India to expedite the verification of nationality and provide special consular access to several detainees, including those with physical and mental challenges.
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“The government remains steadfast in prioritizing humanitarian concerns and endeavors to ensure the safe return of all Pakistani prisoners detained in Indian jails,” the statement affirmed.
Notably, Pakistan has successfully repatriated 62 prisoners in 2023 and an additional four individuals in 2024, underscoring ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and humanitarian cooperation between the two nations.
The prisoner exchange and calls for humane treatment reflect ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering goodwill and addressing humanitarian issues crucial to regional stability and bilateral relations between Pakistan and India.