Has India Successfully Repatriated Pakistani Fishermen and Civilian Prisoners?
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Synopsis
In a significant humanitarian gesture, India repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 civilian prisoners on September 9. This move highlights India’s commitment to resolving humanitarian issues with Pakistan, as it urges for the swift release of its own nationals still in custody. Discover the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- India repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 civilian prisoners.
- Significant diplomatic efforts are ongoing between India and Pakistan.
- The MEA emphasizes the need for the release of Indian prisoners in Pakistan.
- Annual exchanges of prisoner lists are mandated by a 2008 agreement.
- The safety and welfare of prisoners remain a priority for India.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) On Tuesday, India successfully repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 Pakistani civilian prisoners who had served their sentences, utilizing the Attari/Wagah border. The Indian government has also called upon Pakistani officials to hasten the release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners, particularly fishermen, who are still in custody in Pakistan.
"The Government of India places significant importance on the matter of Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners held in Pakistan and has urged the Government of Pakistan to accelerate the release and repatriation of all Indian detainees, including fishermen who remain in Pakistan’s custody," stated a release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In July, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held by each nation through diplomatic avenues in both New Delhi and Islamabad. According to the terms of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, these lists are shared annually on January 1 and July 1.
India submitted the names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are either Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani, while Pakistan provided the names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen who are Indian or thought to be Indian.
"The Government of India has advocated for the swift release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defense personnel from Pakistan's custody. Pakistan has been urged to promptly release 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences," the MEA emphasized.
"Additionally, Pakistan has been requested to grant immediate consular access to 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in its custody, who are presumed to be Indian and have yet to receive consular access. Ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and presumed Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, until their repatriation to India, is a priority," it further added.
India remains committed to addressing all humanitarian issues as a priority, including those involving prisoners and fishermen in each other's nations. In July, New Delhi also urged Islamabad to expedite the nationality verification process for 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India's custody, whose repatriation is pending due to nationality confirmation from Pakistan.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the ongoing humanitarian dialogue between India and Pakistan. While the repatriation of Pakistani fishermen and prisoners reflects goodwill, it emphasizes the critical need for both nations to expedite the release and repatriation of their respective nationals. This commitment to human rights should be upheld consistently to foster better relations.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent repatriation by India?
India repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 civilian prisoners who had completed their sentences on September 9.
Why is the repatriation significant?
This repatriation highlights India's commitment to humanitarian issues and urges the prompt release of Indian prisoners still in Pakistan's custody.
How often do India and Pakistan exchange prisoner lists?
India and Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen every January 1 and July 1, as per the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008.
How many Indian nationals are still detained in Pakistan?
The Indian government has called for the release of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences.
What is the status of consular access for Indian prisoners?
India has requested immediate consular access for 26 believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody.
