Islamabad July 1, 2025 (Khyber Mail) — In line with the Agreement on Consular Access (2008), Pakistan and India on Tuesday exchanged updated lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody. The exchange, a biannual diplomatic obligation under the pact, was conducted via official diplomatic channels.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan handed over 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 a simultaneous exchange, the Indian government provided Pakistan with a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani detainees, comprising 382 civilians and 81 fishermen, through a diplomat at the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi.
The Government of Pakistan reiterated its call for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani nationals who have completed their sentences and whose national status has been confirmed. Additionally, Pakistan requested special consular access to remaining detainees, including those who are physically or mentally challenged, to expedite nationality verification.
Islamabad also urged New Delhi to grant pending consular access to all remaining prisoners and to ensure the safety, security, and humane treatment of Pakistani nationals held in Indian custody.
Reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian priorities, the Government of Pakistan emphasized that it would continue its efforts to ensure the timely repatriation of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.