- Pakistan is looking for access to prisoners with physical, mental conditions.
- India called to give consular access to Pakistani prisoners.
- FO confirms humanitarian focus and seeks a safe return of prisoners.
Islamabad: Pakistan and India exchanged on Monday lists of prisoners held in each other’s detention, in line with the 2008 consular access agreement requiring the exchange of such information twice a year – on January 1 and July 1.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan handed a list of 246 Indian or believed to be Indian prisoners, including 53 civilians and 193 fishermen, to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
In parallel, India provided a list of 463 Pakistani or believed in Pakistani prisoners of 382 civilians and 81 fishermen to a diplomat from Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi.
Pakistan has called for immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani nationals who have completed their judgments and whose nationality has been verified.
Islamabad also requested special consular access to anyone who was believed in Pakistani prisoners, including those with physical or mental health conditions, to accelerate the affirmation of their national status.
In his communication, Pakistan further called for India to give consular access to all prisoners who still await it, and to ensure security, security and welfare for all Pakistani prisoners in Indian custody.
The Foreign Office repeated Pakistan’s obligation to prioritize humanitarian affairs and confirmed its continued efforts to secure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners held in Indian prisons.
