India calls for early release of 53 civilian prisoners, 193 fishermen languishing inside Pakistan jails

India has called for early release and repatriation of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indians who are continuing to languish inside Pakistan’s jails.

Pakistan has shared names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, with India, who are Indian or are believed to be Indian, under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) said.

The prisoners’ lists are exchanged every year between India and Pakistan on January 1 and July 1.

India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan’s custody, the MEA said.

Pakistan has also been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence, it said.

Additionally, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian and have not been provided consular access so far.

Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of the prisoners and fishermen, pending their release.

Meanwhile, India has shared names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed to be Pakistani.

India also urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 80 believed to be Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India’s custody.

Since 2014, at least 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date.

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