The customary exchange of lists of prisoners and fishermen between India and Pakistan on the first day of the new year took place on Monday with India calling for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 184 Indian fishermen, the government said.
“In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 12 civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India,” it said.
Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1.
India shared lists of 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed to be Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen in its custody.