Photo source: Reuters
Delhi, Jan 01: India and Pakistan adhered to their annual tradition on January 1 by exchanging lists of civilian prisoners and nuclear installations, as outlined in separate agreements. The exchange of the nuclear facilities list occurred under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that this tradition, rooted in a pact signed on December 31, 1988, and enforced on January 27, 1991, mandates that both countries inform each other of nuclear installations covered by the agreement on the first of January every year. This marked the 33rd consecutive year of such exchanges, commencing on January 1, 1992.
In addition to the nuclear facilities, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen were exchanged in accordance with the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. The MEA revealed that such lists are exchanged biannually on January 1 and July 1. India shared details of 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, believed to be Pakistani or confirmed as such. Correspondingly, Pakistan shared information on 47 civilian prisoners and 184 fishermen in its custody, believed to be Indian or confirmed as Indian.
The MEA emphasized India’s call for the early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defense personnel, and fishermen from Pakistan’s custody. Specific requests include expediting the release of 184 Indian fishermen who completed their sentences and granting immediate consular access to the remaining 12 civilian prisoners believed to be Indian in Pakistan’s custody. The MEA reiterated India’s commitment to addressing humanitarian matters, urging Pakistan to confirm the nationality status of 65 believed-to-be Pakistani prisoners. The ministry highlighted ongoing efforts, resulting in the repatriation of 2639 Indian fishermen and 67 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan since 2014, including 478 fishermen and 09 civilian prisoners repatriated in 2023. “As a result of sustained efforts by the Government, 2639 Indian fishermen and 67 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 09 Indian civilian prisoners who were repatriated from Pakistan in 2023,” it added.
