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India Repatriates Pakistani Prisoner via Wagah Border Amid Prisoner Exchange Talks

India has repatriated a Pakistani national, Hafiz Muhammad Abbu Bakar, via the Attari-Wagah border. This follows the repatriation of 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 civilian prisoners by India last September. India has urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners, including 159 fishermen and civilians who have completed their sentences. The two countries exchange lists of prisoners biannually under a 2008 consular agreement.

Key Points: India Repatriates Pakistani National via Wagah-Attari Border

  • Pakistani national repatriated via Wagah-Attari
  • India urges Pakistan to expedite release of Indian prisoners
  • Bilateral lists of prisoners exchanged in July
  • 159 Indian prisoners in Pakistan have completed sentences
2 min read

India repatriates Pakistani national via Attari-Wagah border

India repatriates a Pakistani prisoner via the Attari-Wagah border. Read about ongoing prisoner exchanges and diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan.

"The Government of India attaches high priority to the issue of Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners in Pakistan's custody - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, January 20

India has repatriated a Pakistani national, allegedly imprisoned in India, via the Attari-Wagah border, Pakistan High Commission in India said.

"Hafiz Muhammad Abbu Bakar, a Pakistani citizen imprisoned in India, was repatriated to Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border today," the Pakistan High Commission said on Monday.

Earlier in September of last year, India repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 Pakistani civilian prisoners, who had completed their sentences, via the Attari-Wagah border, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.

India also urged the Pakistani government to expedite the release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners, including fishermen in Islamabad's custody.

"The Government of India attaches high priority to the issue of Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners in Pakistan's custody and has urged the Government of Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners, including fishermen who remain in Pakistan's custody," MEA said in a statement.

In July, India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. Under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, such lists are exchanged every year on 1st of January and July.

Pakistan has been requested to ensure the "safety, security and welfare" of all civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"India has shared the names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared the names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian," it said.

The Government of India called for the "early release and repatriation" of civilian prisoners and fishermen currently in Pakistani custody, especially those who have already completed their prison sentences.

"Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence," the MEA said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the fishermen. They are often poor people just trying to earn a living and get caught in these geopolitical issues. The government is right to prioritize their release. Hope all 159 of our people who have completed sentences come home soon.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the consistent diplomatic process (Agreement on Consular Access 2008), I wish our media gave equal coverage when our citizens are released. This feels like a routine administrative action being reported as news.
S
Sarah B
It's positive to see these exchanges happening through established channels. Stability in process is important, even when relations are strained. The focus on "safety, security and welfare" is crucial - these are human beings, not bargaining chips.
V
Vikram M
The Attari-Wagah border has seen so much history. Good that it's also being used for these peaceful repatriations. Hope Pakistan shows the same urgency for our people. Jai Hind.
K
Kriti O
Respectfully, while one person is sent back, we must keep pushing for the 246 Indians (53+193) in their custody. The disparity in numbers is significant. Our government should maintain this firm and consistent stance.

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