India, Pakistan swap lists of detained citizens, nuclear installations

New Delhi, Jan 1: The Government of India has urged the early release and repatriation of its civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen, along with their boats, currently held by Pakistan.

Specific requests were made for the expedited release and repatriation of 184 Indian fishermen who have completed their sentences.

Additionally, Pakistan has been asked to grant immediate consular access to the remaining 12 civilian prisoners believed to be Indian. Ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of these individuals until their release and return to India was emphasized.

India, in its disclosure, presented lists featuring 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen believed to be Pakistani. Conversely, Pakistan shared details of 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen thought to be Indian. In a customary diplomatic exchange today, India and Pakistan swapped lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen currently in their custody.

Simultaneous meetings took place in New Delhi and Islamabad, adhering to the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, which mandates the exchange of such lists every 1st January and 1st July.

India has pressed Pakistan to take prompt action to confirm the nationality status of 65 individuals believed to be Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, whose repatriation is pending due to a lack of confirmation from Pakistan.

In a testament to sustained efforts by the Indian government, a total of 2639 Indian fishermen and 67 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. Notably, 478 Indian fishermen and 9 Indian civilian prisoners were successfully repatriated from Pakistan in 2023.

India and Pakistan conducted their 33rd consecutive exchange of lists detailing as stipulated by the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities signed on 31 December 1988. This agreement, effective on 27 January 1991, mandates both nations to inform each other of the covered nuclear installations and facilities on the first of January each calendar year.

The ongoing diplomatic tradition, initiated on 1st January 1992, underscores a continued commitment to nuclear transparency between the two nations.