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India Urges Pakistan to Release of Indian Prisoners and Fishermen Soon
India and Pakistan recently exchanged lists of prisoners, with India urging Pakistan to expedite the release of 159 Indian prisoners, including fishermen, who have completed their sentences. This ongoing dialogue highlights the humanitarian efforts between the two nations.
According to Assam Tribune, In a significant move highlighting ongoing humanitarian efforts, India has once again urged Pakistan to swiftly release and repatriate Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen held in its custody, particularly those who have already completed their prison sentences.
The appeal was made on Tuesday(1st July,2025) as both countries, through their respective diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, exchanged their biannual lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen. This exchange is a routine practice, conducted in accordance with the 2008 bilateral Agreement on Consular Access.
Focus on Repatriation of Sentenced Individuals
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India issued a statement emphasizing its specific call for Pakistan to release and repatriate 159 Indian prisoners, a group that includes a significant number of fishermen, all of whom have served their full sentences.
Beyond those who have completed their terms, India has also formally requested immediate consular access to 26 other individuals. These individuals are believed to be Indian nationals currently detained in Pakistani custody without any access to Indian consular officials. The MEA reiterated its plea to Pakistan to "ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen pending their release and return."
A Look at the Numbers
During the exchange, India provided Pakistan with a list detailing 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners currently in Indian custody. This group comprises 382 civilians and 81 fishermen. In a reciprocal gesture, Pakistan furnished a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners held in its jails, consisting of 53 civilians and 193 fishermen.
Track Record of Repatriation
The MEA highlighted the success of sustained diplomatic efforts, noting that since 2014, a total of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan. This impressive figure includes 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners who have returned to India since 2023 alone. The Indian government consistently states that it "attaches the highest priority to the welfare and rights of its citizens detained abroad."
Pakistan's Counter-Appeal
In its own statement, Pakistan reciprocated India's call, urging for the immediate release and repatriation of its nationals in Indian custody who have completed their sentences and whose citizenship has been verified. Furthermore, Pakistan sought special consular access to prisoners believed to be Pakistani, particularly those with physical or mental health issues, aiming to expedite the confirmation of their nationality.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to addressing these critical humanitarian issues and pledged to continue the practice of sharing prisoner lists every January and July, as mandated by the 2008 agreement. This ongoing dialogue underscores the importance both countries place on the welfare of their citizens across borders.
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