India has once again pressed Pakistan to fast-track the release and return of 159 Indian nationals—fishermen and civilian prisoners—who have already completed their jail terms.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has also called on Pakistan to immediately grant consular access to 26 more individuals believed to be Indian citizens. These detainees, despite being in custody, have yet to receive access to Indian officials.
“The request was made to ensure the safety and welfare of all Indian and presumed-Indian prisoners held in Pakistan until they can return home,” the MEA noted.
This followed the simultaneous exchange of updated lists of prisoners and fishermen by India and Pakistan, carried out through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Islamabad—an exercise rooted in their ongoing bilateral agreement.
According to the MEA, these lists are shared twice a year—on January 1 and July 1—under the Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008.
India informed Pakistan of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen currently in Indian custody, all confirmed or believed to be Pakistani. On the other side, Pakistan listed 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody who are Indian or believed to be Indian.
India also urged Islamabad to confirm the nationality of 80 people in Indian jails, whose return is delayed because of pending verification.
Since 2014, India has successfully brought back 2,661 of its fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistani custody. Of these, 500 fishermen and 13 civilian detainees have been repatriated in the last year and a half alone.
The Indian government has reiterated that resolving humanitarian concerns, especially those involving prisoners and fishermen, remains a top priority—despite broader diplomatic tensions.
Add Comment