Pakistan, India Exchange Prisoners’ Lists Through Diplomatic Channels

Pakistan and India conducted their routine exchange of prisoners’ lists on Wednesday via diplomatic channels, marking another step in maintaining bilateral commitments under their longstanding agreement.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson, the Government of Pakistan provided a list of 266 Indian prisoners currently in its custody. The list includes:

• 49 civilian prisoners
• 217 fishermen

The list was handed over to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

This exchange is part of the Agreement on Consular Access signed between the two countries in 2008, which mandates the exchange of prisoners’ lists on January 1 and July 1 every year.

The arrangement reflects efforts to address humanitarian issues amid the complex relationship between the two neighbors. Prisoners, especially fishermen, are often detained for inadvertently crossing the maritime boundary due to lack of navigational equipment.

Both sides are expected to continue working towards the release and repatriation of eligible prisoners. Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have consistently urged both nations to prioritize swift resolution of such cases, particularly for those whose detentions extend beyond their sentences.

This routine exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and cooperation, even amidst broader political tensions between Pakistan and India.