New Delhi, 01 January: India has shared with Pakistan the information of 267 Pakistani citizens and 99 fishermen imprisoned here in India. Similarly, Pakistan has said that it has 55 Indian nationals and 227 fishermen imprisoned here in Pakistan.
India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged lists of imprisoned civilians and fishermen in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. Such lists are exchanged on January 1 and July 1 every year under the provisions of the 2008 agreement.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, India has given information about 267 Pakistani citizens and 99 fishermen imprisoned here. Similarly, Pakistan has said that it has 55 Indian citizens and 227 fishermen in captivity.
The Indian government has called for the early release of Indian citizens, missing defense personnel and fishermen imprisoned in Pakistan and release of the seized boats.
According to the press release, Pakistan has been asked to expedite the early release and repatriation of 4 Indian nationals and 126 fishermen imprisoned here. Also provide immediate consular access to 14 Indian nationals and 100 Indian fishermen.
The Indian government has also sought to expedite the granting of visas to members of the team of medical experts to the neighboring country and facilitate their visit to Pakistan to assess the mental condition of Indian prisoners lodged in different jails of Pakistan. India has also asked Pakistan for the permission of early visit of a joint judicial committee and the initial tour of a 4-member team in Karachi in connection with the release of 22 fishing boats.
India says they are committed to addressing all humanitarian aspects of civilians and fishermen imprisoned in each other’s country on a priority basis. In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the necessary action to confirm the status of nationality of 82 Pakistani prisoners so that they can be sent to their country at the earliest.
