India and Pakistan on Sunday exchanged the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other's jails. The list was exchanged through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad.
The lists are exchanged under the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India signed on May 21, 2008. Under the agreement, both countries are required to exchange lists of their nationals in each other's custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.
While Pakistan handed over a list of 471 Indian prisoners lodged in Pakistani jails, India handed over a list of 357 Pak nationals.
Pakistan has shared a list of 418 fishermen and 53 other prisoners, who are Indians or believed to be Indians, arrested for illegally entering Pakistani waters.
Indian handed over a list of 249 civilian prisoners and 108 fishermen to Pakistan.
The government has emphasised on the need for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats.
In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release of nine Indian civilian prisoners and 229 Indian fishermen, who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been confirmed.
Immediate consular access has also been sought for the remaining prisoners and fishermen to facilitate their early release and repatriation.
"In order to take further the understanding reached to address the humanitarian issues, especially with respect to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners, India has already shared the details of the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee and that of the Indian medical experts team to visit Pakistan to meet the mentally unsound prisoners," the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs read.
Pakistan has also been requested to allow the visit of a group of fishermen representatives to facilitate the repatriation of Indian fishing boats, presently held in Pakistan's custody, at the earliest.
(With ANI inputs)
