Pakistan and India have officially exchanged their list of prisoners, continuing their biannual tradition under the 1974 Consular Access Agreement. The lists were shared through diplomatic channels in Islamabad and New Delhi on Monday.
This exchange aims to ensure transparency, consular access, and the humane treatment of detainees in each other’s custody.
Details of the Bilateral Prisoner Exchange
As part of this agreement, Pakistan handed over a list of 231 Indian prisoners, which includes 184 fishermen and 47 civilians. On the other hand, India provided a list of 56 Pakistani detainees, consisting of 49 civilians and 7 fishermen.
The official list is exchanged twice a year—on January 1 and July 1—to facilitate legal access and potential repatriation.
“This step reflects both countries’ commitment to human rights and legal cooperation,” said a Pakistani Foreign Office representative.
Why This Exchange Matters
The majority of detainees are fishermen who unknowingly cross maritime boundaries in the Arabian Sea, leading to arrests. By exchanging these lists, both countries can arrange consular visits, legal aid, and even early releases for special cases.
Read full report: Dawn News – Prisoner Exchange Report
Humanitarian Concerns and Future Steps
Human rights organizations continue to push for faster case resolutions, especially for mentally ill and elderly prisoners. Both countries are being urged to take steps toward more humane treatment and quicker repatriations.
