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Key Points

India has taken a significant humanitarian step by repatriating 67 Pakistani nationals who had completed their sentences. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India's commitment to addressing prisoner welfare issues with Pakistan. New Delhi has simultaneously called for Pakistan to expedite the release of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners still in custody. This exchange reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations regarding humanitarian matters.

Key Points: India Repatriates 67 Pakistani Prisoners and Fishermen via Wagah Border

  • India repatriated 48 fishermen and 19 civilian prisoners to Pakistan via Attari/Wagah border
  • New Delhi urges Islamabad to release 159 Indian fishermen and civilians who completed sentences
  • Both countries exchange prisoner lists biannually under 2008 Consular Access Agreement
  • India seeks consular access for 26 believed-to-be-Indian prisoners in Pakistan's custody
2 min read

India repatriates Pakistani fishermen and civilian prisoners

India returns 67 Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who completed sentences, urges Pakistan to expedite release of 159 Indian nationals still in custody as humanitarian gesture.

"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, Sep 9

India on Tuesday repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 Pakistani civilian prisoners who had completed their sentences, via Attari/Wagah border. The Indian government also urged the Pakistani authorities to expedite release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners, including fishermen who remain in Pakistan’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," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

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

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

"The Government of India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan's custody. Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence," the MEA stated.

"In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India," it added.

India continues to express commitment to addressing all humanitarian matters on priority, including those related to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country. In July, New Delhi had also urged Islamabad to expedite the nationality verification process of 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India’s custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While this is a positive step, I'm concerned about the 193 Indian fishermen still in Pakistan's custody. Our government should push harder for their release. These poor fishermen just want to earn their livelihood.
A
Arjun K
Good move by India showing maturity in handling humanitarian issues. This is how civilized nations should behave. Hope this builds some trust between both countries 🤝
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the numbers - India has more Pakistani prisoners than vice versa. Makes you wonder about the actual situation at sea. Both countries need better maritime boundary awareness systems.
S
Shreya B
The families of these fishermen must be so relieved! Can't imagine the stress of having your loved one in prison in another country. Hope all remaining prisoners are reunited with families soon ❤️
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the humanitarian approach, I hope our government is also ensuring that proper verification is done. Security concerns cannot be completely ignored given the history between the two nations.
K
Kavya N
This is a step in the right direction, but both countries need a permanent solution. Maybe install GPS systems in fishing boats or create better awareness about maritime boundaries to prevent such incidents.

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