New Delhi [India], September 9 (ANI): India on Tuesday repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 Pakistani civilian prisoners who had completed their sentences via the Attari/Wagah border, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement.
India also urged the Pakistani government to expedite the release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners, including fishermen in Islamabad’s custody. “The Government of India attaches high priority to the issue of Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody and has urged the Government of Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners, including fishermen who remain in Pakistan’s custody,” the MEA said.
In July, India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody. Under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1.
Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all civilian prisoners and fishermen pending their release and repatriation to India, the MEA noted.
“India has shared the names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared the names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or believed to be Indian,” the statement said.
The Indian government has called for the early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners and fishermen currently in Pakistani custody, especially those who have already completed their prison terms. “Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentence,” the MEA said.
In addition, India has sought immediate consular access to 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan’s custody who are believed to be Indian and have not yet been provided such access.
The MEA further highlighted that sustained diplomatic efforts have resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan since 2014, including 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners repatriated since 2023.
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