New Delhi, July 1 (NationPress) On Tuesday, India urged for the prompt release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, including fishermen along with their boats and missing Indian defence personnel, currently held in Pakistan's custody.

In a simultaneous diplomatic exchange between New Delhi and Islamabad, both nations provided lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen they hold. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has emphasized that Pakistan must hasten the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences.

These lists are exchanged annually on January 1 and July 1, as per the 2008 bilateral agreement on Consular Access.

"Additionally, Pakistan has been requested to grant immediate consular access to 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in its custody, who are believed to be Indian and have not yet received consular support. Pakistan is also urged to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen until their return to India," stated the MEA.

India has provided names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. In return, Pakistan has shared names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody who are Indian or believed to be Indian.

New Delhi has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing all humanitarian issues, particularly those concerning prisoners and fishermen from both nations.

"In this regard, India has urged Pakistan 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 a lack of nationality confirmation from Pakistan," the statement further noted.

The government has, through persistent efforts, successfully repatriated 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan since 2014, including 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have returned since the start of 2023.

The administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that it places the utmost importance on the welfare, safety, and security of Indian prisoners. As soon as incidents of Indian prisoners being apprehended by Pakistan are reported, the Indian Mission in Islamabad takes swift action to request consular access from the Pakistani government.

During Consular Access, officials from the High Commission of India visit Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails to check on their well-being and distribute essential welfare items. Comprehensive assistance, including legal support, is provided to Indian prisoners.