The MEA noted that since 2014, a total of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan.
India and Pakistan Exchange Lists of Civilian Prisoners and Fishermen
India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.
The Government of India has called for the early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel held in Pakistan’s custody.
In a press release, the MEA stated that under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, 2008, such lists are exchanged twice a year—on 1st January and 1st July.
This latest exchange comes approximately two months after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and led to a brief conflict between India and Pakistan.
In the list shared today, India has provided details of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are either Pakistani nationals or are believed to be Pakistani.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has shared the names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian nationals or are believed to be Indian.
India has requested the expedited release and repatriation of 159 Indian prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences, the statement read.
Additionally, India has urged Pakistan to provide immediate consular access to 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen believed to be Indian nationals, who have not been granted consular access so far.
The Government of India has also requested the Pakistan government to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen in its custody.
India has further urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 80 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indian custody, who are believed to be Pakistani. Their repatriation remains pending due to the lack of nationality confirmation from Pakistan.
The MEA noted that since 2014, a total of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan. This includes 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners repatriated since 2023.
The Ministry reiterated that India remains committed to addressing all humanitarian matters on a priority basis, including issues related to prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody.
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