India has called for the prompt release and repatriation of civil prisoners, fishermen, and missing Indian defense personnel held by Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that Pakistan has been requested to expedite the return of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have served their sentences. Both countries have exchanged lists of prisoners and fishermen in custody, with India holding 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen believed to be Pakistani, while Pakistan detains 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen believed to be Indian.
Under the terms of the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, these lists are shared annually on January 1 and July 1. India emphasized the need for Pakistan to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian prisoners and fishermen until their repatriation. Notably, India has successfully repatriated 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 civil prisoners from Pakistan since 2014, including 500 fishermen and 13 prisoners since 2023.
In addition to the prisoner exchange, India and Pakistan also exchanged lists of nuclear installations and facilities covered by the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. This agreement, in effect since 1991, mandates both countries to inform each other of such installations on January 1 every year. This recent exchange marks the 35th consecutive year of sharing these lists between the two nations.
