India and Pakistan on Tuesday exchanged lists of prisoners lodged in each other’s jails keeping in view a 2008 agreement, reported the IANS.
The External Affairs Ministry of India in a statement said that India handed over (names) of 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen in India’s custody to Pakistan.
“Pakistan has shared lists of 54 civilian prisoners and 483 fishermen in its custody who are Indians or believed to be Indians,” the statement added.
The lists were exchanged through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad.
India also called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats.
“In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 17 Indian civilian prisoners and 369 Indian fishermen to India whose nationality has been confirmed,” the statement said.
“Immediate consular access has also been sought for the remaining prisoners and fishermen to facilitate their early release and repatriation.”
According to the 2008 agreement, both countries exchange lists of prisoners lodged in each other’s jails on January 1 and July 1 every year.
The statement said that India had also asked Pakistan to expedite a response in the case of 80 Pakistan prisoners who have completed their sentences and await repatriation for want of nationality confirmation by Islamabad.
