Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels, the foreign office said in a statement.

This exchange, occurring simultaneously in Islamabad and New Delhi, follows the Consular Access Agreement of 2008, which mandates such exchanges on January 1 and  July 1 each year.

Pakistan provided a list of 254 Indian or presumed Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani jails. India, in turn, shared a list of 452 Pakistani or presumed Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indian jails.

Additionally, Pakistan handed over a list of 38 missing Pakistani defence personnel, believed to be in India’s custody since the wars of 1965 and 1971.”The Government of Pakistan has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India,” said the statement.

“We have also requested special consular access to various presumed Pakistani prisoners, including those who are physically and mentally challenged, and for the expeditious confirmation of their national status.”

The statement added that Pakistan has urged India to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or presumed Pakistani prisoners awaiting their release and repatriation.

“The Government of Pakistan is committed to addressing humanitarian matters as a priority,” the official continued. “We will continue our efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.”

As part of these efforts, the repatriation of 62 Pakistani prisoners in 2023, and four in the current year, has been secured so far.Earlier, Pakistan and Iran have mutually agreed to release prisoners held in each other’s jails on humanitarian grounds.An Iranian delegation called on Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in the federal capital.

The delegation informed the law minister that 160 Pakistanis were held captive in Iranian jails whereas 60 Iranian inmates were in Pakistan’s custody.The huddle agreed to take measures with the cooperation of the interior ministry for the release of the prisoners.

In the first phase, the inmates will be released on humanitarian grounds.Pakistani inmates will be repatriated to Pakistan while Iranian prisoners will be returned to Iran.