The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has called on Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 254 Indian fishermen and four civilian prisoners who have completed their jail term. The MEA has also emphasized the need for immediate consular access to the remaining 12 fishermen and 14 civilian prisoners believed to be Indian and currently in Pakistan's custody.
The request was made within the framework of exchanging lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen, as per a bilateral pact signed in 2008. India has shared lists of 343 civilian prisoners and 74 fishermen currently in its custody, while Pakistan has shared lists of 42 civilian prisoners and 266 fishermen in its custody, according to the MEA.
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The MEA statement highlighted, "The government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan's custody." They further urged Pakistan to take necessary actions to confirm the nationality status of 62 prisoners, including fishermen, who are awaiting repatriation, according to media reports.
India remains committed to addressing humanitarian matters promptly and ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all Indians and those believed to be Indian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody. The MEA also emphasized the government's sustained efforts in repatriating Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners from Pakistan since 2014, with a total of 2,559 fishermen and 63 civilian prisoners successfully repatriated so far. In the current year, 398 fishermen and five civilian prisoners have already been repatriated.
