Pakistan and India exchange lists of prisoners.

Notwithstanding ongoing tensions, Pakistan and India complied with the bilateral agreement on Consular Access, as the two nuclear-capable neighbors exchanged lists of detainees in each other’s custody via diplomatic channels on Tuesday.

In accordance with the 2008 agreement, Pakistan and India exchange lists of prisoners biannually on January 1 and July 1. The recent exchange of lists was regarded as significant due to the prevailing tensions.

Numerous bilateral agreements between Pakistan and India are jeopardized following the Pahalgam attack, which nearly precipitated a catastrophic conflict between the two nations.

Prior to executing strikes within Pakistan, India unilaterally suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan, in the interim, issued a warning regarding its potential withdrawal from the 1972 Shimla Accord, although no definitive resolution has been reached thus far.

In this context, the two nations, nonetheless, executed their agreement on Consular Access.

On Tuesday, Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners in each other’s custody via diplomatic channels. The exchange of lists occurred in accordance with the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access,” stated a release from the foreign office.

The Agreement mandates both parties to exchange lists of prisoners in their custody on January 1st and July 1st annually. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a comparable statement.

The Foreign Office stated that the Government of Pakistan provided a list of 246 individuals, presumed to be Indian, comprising 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen, to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

The Government of India concurrently provided a list of 463 prisoners, identified as Pakistani or presumed to be Pakistani, comprising 382 civilians and 81 fishermen, to a diplomat from the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi.

The Government of Pakistan demanded the prompt release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners and fishermen who have fulfilled their sentences and whose national status is verified.

A request for special consular access has been submitted for all individuals presumed to be Pakistani prisoners, including those with physical and mental disabilities, to expedite the verification of their national status, according to the statement.

The Government of India has been urged to grant consular access to all prisoners awaiting such access. The Indian authorities have been urged to guarantee the safety, security, and welfare of all Pakistani detainees in their custody.

The Government of Pakistan is dedicated to prioritizing humanitarian issues. It will persist in its efforts to guarantee the prompt repatriation of all Pakistani detainees in Indian prisons,” it stated.