India urges Pakistan for swift release of fishermen in prison
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New Delhi: India has made a formal request to Pakistan, urging the prompt release and repatriation of 184 Indian fishermen whose jail terms have concluded, alongside immediate consular access for 12 civilian prisoners in Pakistan's custody believed to be Indian.
The call for action comes in light of the exchange of lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen between the two countries, a customary practice on January 1 and July 1 each year, established under a 2008 pact.
According to the MEA, India has shared details of 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen under its custody, identified as Pakistani nationals or believed to be so. Conversely, Pakistan has provided lists comprising 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen in its custody, recognised as Indian or suspected to be Indian.
The MEA's statement highlights India's appeal to Pakistan for the swift release and repatriation of the 184 Indian fishermen who have served their sentences, stressing the need for immediate consular access to the 12 civilian prisoners held in Pakistan.
Furthermore, India has emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of all Indian and believed-to-be Indian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani custody until their repatriation to India.
India has also urged Pakistan to expedite the resolution of nationality status for 65 individuals suspected to be Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, whose repatriation is pending due to the lack of confirmation from Pakistan.
Emphasising its commitment to addressing humanitarian issues promptly, India has highlighted its efforts resulting in the repatriation of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 67 civilian prisoners from Pakistan since 2014. The MEA specifically noted the return of 478 Indian fishermen and nine civilian prisoners from Pakistan in 2023 alone.