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India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody
NEW DELHI: In a significant move, Pakistan delivered a comprehensive list of Indian prisoners to the High Commission of India on Saturday. The list includes 308 individuals, consisting of 42 civilians and 266 fishermen, who are currently held in Pakistani jails. This action reflects the commitment of both nations to abide by the provisions outlined in the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, as stated by the Foreign Office (FO) in an official statement.
Over the past few years, there have been efforts to facilitate the release and repatriation of prisoners, with a particular focus on those who have completed their sentences. Since 2014, India has successfully repatriated 2,622 Indian nationals from Pakistan, allowing them to return to their families and reintegrate into society.
This includes 398 Indian fishermen and five Indian civilian prisoners who were repatriated from Pakistan this year, the MEA said. Pakistan and India exchange the lists of prisoners in each other’s custody on 1st January and 1st July, every year under the agreement.
The exchange of prisoner lists serves as an important step towards ensuring transparency and effective communication between the two nations. It enables authorities to identify individuals who may have been imprisoned inadvertently or have completed their sentences and are eligible for repatriation. The process involves thorough verification and coordination to guarantee the safe return of prisoners to their home countries.
Both India and Pakistan have expressed their commitment to upholding the rights of prisoners and facilitating humanitarian considerations. This exchange of lists further strengthens their bilateral relations and demonstrates a shared understanding of the importance of addressing the plight of incarcerated individuals.
The repatriation of prisoners not only provides relief to the individuals involved but also contributes to building trust and fostering better relations between the two countries. It is a significant step towards promoting peace, goodwill, and understanding.
Efforts are continuously being made to streamline the process and expedite the repatriation of prisoners, ensuring that their rights are protected and they are treated with dignity. The exchange of lists between India and Pakistan is a positive development in this regard, reflecting a willingness to cooperate and find common ground in addressing shared challenges.
