Pakistan’s foreign ministry said on Monday it had handed over to India a list of its missing defence personnel from the 1965 and 1971 wars and had also exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held by the two countries.
India and Pakistan have reportedly exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad.
“A list of 38 missing Pakistani defence personnel believed to be in Indian custody since the 1965 and 1971 wars has also been handed over by Pakistan,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Pakistan said it had handed over a list of 254 Indian or suspected Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen held in Pakistani prisons, while India shared a list of 452 Pakistani or suspected Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen held in Indian prisons.
As per the provisions of the Bilateral Consular Access Agreement of 2008, these lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian government has sought the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India.
“We have requested special consular access to a range of prisoners believed to be Pakistani, including those with physical and mental disabilities, and for expedited verification of their nationality,” the statement said.
Pakistan also urged India to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Pakistani or Pakistani suspected prisoners awaiting release and repatriation.
The foreign ministry said that as part of the government’s efforts, repatriation of 62 Pakistani prisoners has been secured so far in 2023 and four this year.
First uploaded: February 7, 2024 1:40 AM
