Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 1

India and Pakistan today exchanged lists of prisoners in each other’s jails, keeping with standard protocol.

Pakistan handed over a list of 537 Indian prisoners (54 civil and 483 fishermen) in its jails, while India handed over lists of 249 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen in its custody.

This is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on May 21, 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, respectively.

“The government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen, along with their boats. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 17 Indian civilian prisoners and 369 fishermen whose nationality has been confirmed,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a formal statement seeking early consular access to remaining Indian prisoners.

India informed Pakistan that 80 of its prisoners who have completed their sentences await repatriation since their nationality is yet to be confirmed by Islamabad.

“To take forward the understanding reached to address humanitarian issues, especially with respect to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners, India has already shared details of the reconstituted joint judicial committee and that of the Indian medical experts to visit Pakistan to meet mentally unsound prisoners and asked to expedite their visit,” added the Indian statement.

Info on nuclear installations

In accordance with Article-II of the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between Pakistan and India, signed on December 31, 1988, India and Pakistan also exchanged lists of nuclear installations and facilities with their respective missions. The practice of annually exchanging these lists started on January 1, 1992