Pakistan and India exchange lists of prisoners.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of prisoners in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels under the bilateral agreement on consular access.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, under the agreement of May 21, 2008, the two countries are obliged to exchange lists of prisoners on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

Pakistan handed over to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad a list of 250 Indian prisoners, including 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen.

On the other hand, India provided Pakistan with a list of 439 Pakistani or alleged Pakistani prisoners, including 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen.

According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan has urged India to immediately release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners (64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen) who have completed their sentences and whose Pakistani citizenship has been verified.

Pakistan also demanded that India ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Pakistanis and alleged Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails, while providing consular access to alleged Pakistani prisoners at the earliest so that the verification of their citizenship can be completed.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that the Government of Pakistan will continue its efforts to ensure the early repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners.