NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad the lists of nationals including civil prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of the other country.
This has been done in keeping with the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access between India and Pakistan, a MEA statement said.
“We also await consular access to those Indian nationals in Pakistan’s custody for whom it has so far not been provided, including Kulbhushan Jadhav and Hamid Nehal Ansari,” the MEA said.
“India remains committed to addressing the humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other’s country.
Lists of 250 civilian prisoners and 94 fishermen were handed over to Pakistan,” it said. Further, lists of 54 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 4 fishermen who have completed their sentence and whose nationality confirmation is awaited from Pakistan were also handed over and Pakistan was asked to expedite confirmation of their nationality.
“A juvenile Hasnain, whose nationality was verified by Pakistan, is being repatriated,” it said.
Pakistan has also shared a list of 58 civilian prisoners and 399 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or believed to be Indians. Government of India has repeatedly emphasised the need for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats.
(AGENCIES)
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