In a major development, India and Pakistan shared a list of detainees booked in the jails of both countries. As per the report from Ministry of External Affairs, the list was exchanged under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access and added such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1.
According to information released by India, there are currently 434 Pakistani nationals detained in Indian prisons, of which 339 are civilians and 95 are fishermen.
Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 51 civilian prisoners and 654 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians.
The Indian Government has requested the prompt release and return of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen and their boats from Pakistani captivity while also sharing the details with the neighbouring country.
In this context, Pakistan was asked to rush the release and repatriation of 631 Indian fishermen and two Indian civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence and whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan.
According to the MEA statement, India is still committed to prioritising all humanitarian issues, particularly those involving prisoners and fishermen in each other's countries.