Detained Nationals
ISLAMABAD: In a routine but significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistan and India on Monday exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody, as part of their commitment to the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
This agreement obliges both nations to share details of prisoners twice a year — on January 1 and July 1 — with the aim of facilitating transparency, consular access, and eventual repatriation where applicable.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad announced that Pakistan had formally handed over a list comprising 246 prisoners to the Indian High Commission.
Of these, 53 are civilians while 193 are fishermen, all either confirmed or believed to be Indian nationals. The list was delivered to an official representative of the Indian diplomatic mission based in Islamabad.
Simultaneously, India shared with Pakistan a list of 463 prisoners currently in Indian jails, including 382 civilians and 81 fishermen, identified as Pakistani or thought to be of Pakistani origin. The handover took place through a diplomatic exchange with Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi.
In addition to the exchange, Pakistan has renewed its demand for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose national status has already been verified.
Islamabad emphasized the humanitarian nature of such cases and requested that these individuals be allowed to return home without further delay.
Pakistan also reiterated its longstanding appeal for consular access to all prisoners believed to be Pakistani, particularly those suffering from physical or mental health conditions. Islamabad stressed that providing access in such cases would help expedite nationality confirmation and assist in processing their return.
Furthermore, the Pakistani Foreign Office urged New Delhi to ensure that all Pakistani detainees — whether confirmed or suspected nationals — receive fair treatment, adequate safety, and proper healthcare while in Indian custody. It also called on India to allow consular visits to all eligible prisoners who have yet to be granted access.
Reaffirming its humanitarian stance, Pakistan expressed its continued commitment to addressing the plight of prisoners on both sides of the border.
The Foreign Office highlighted that it remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the early release and repatriation of all Pakistani nationals held in Indian jails, in line with international norms and bilateral agreements.
