India and Pakistan have followed their respective diplomatic rules. Both the countries have shared the list of prisoners lodged in their respective countries. This list is shared every 6 months. This list contains information about common people detained in each other’s custody. This list was sent between the two countries through diplomatic channels established in New Delhi and Islamabad. This information sharing between India and Pakistan was one of the most important tasks under the terms of the agreement on consular access (diplomatic access) signed between the two neighboring countries in May 2008.
This diplomatic process, which takes place in the middle of the year, provides clear information about the foreign nationals detained on the borders of both the countries. According to official statements of the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, India has shared a long list of 439 people who are currently in its custody and who have documents of being Pakistani citizens or who are strongly suspected to be of Pakistani origin. This total number includes 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen.
India raised the issue of 188 Indians
Exchange of registries every year on January 1 and July 1 is a common process, but this time in the talks both the governments put forward their views strongly. The Government of India used this opportunity to reiterate its earlier demand for the early release and repatriation of missing Indian defense personnel, civilians and fishermen.
New Delhi has specifically asked Islamabad to return 188 Indian fishermen and civilians whose sentences have been completed but are still in jail. Additionally, Indian diplomats demanded immediate consular access to 13 civilian prisoners who are suspected to be Indians but have not yet been granted official consular access. The Indian administration stressed that Pakistan must guarantee the safety and well-being of all Indian prisoners until they are legally released.
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