India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody, in accordance with the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008.
This agreement stipulates that such exchanges occur biannually, on January 1 and July 1.
Pakistan has provided a list comprising 254 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen currently incarcerated in Pakistani jails. Conversely, India has shared a list detailing 452 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen held in Indian jails.
In light of these exchanges, the Government of Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India.
Additionally, Pakistan has requested special consular access for various prisoners believed to be Pakistani, including those who are physically and mentally challenged.
