india-and-pakistan-swap-prisoner-and-soldier-lists

On Monday, Pakistan handed over to India a list of defence personnel who went missing during the wars of 1965 and 1971, in addition to exchanging lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. This exchange took place through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Islamabad.

 

Pakistan's Foreign Office announced that a list containing 38 missing Pakistani defence personnel, who are believed to be in Indian custody since the 1965 and 1971 wars, was provided to India.

 

This exchange of information is part of a regular practice stipulated by the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access of 2008, which mandates such exchanges every year on January 1 and July 1.

 

In the exchange, Pakistan provided a list of 254 individuals, either Indian or believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, currently held in Pakistani jails. Similarly, India handed over a list of 452 individuals, either Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen, detained in Indian jails.

 

The Foreign Office emphasised that the Pakistani government has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India.

 

Moreover, a request for special consular access to several believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including those who are physically and mentally challenged, was made. Pakistan seeks expeditious confirmation of their national status to facilitate their return.

 

Pakistan also urged India to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners awaiting their release and repatriation.

 

The Pakistani government has been actively working on this issue, resulting in the repatriation of 62 Pakistani prisoners in 2023 and four more in the current year.

 

The exchange of these lists and the discussions surrounding the missing defense personnel highlight the ongoing humanitarian concerns between the two countries.

 

It underscores the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve issues related to prisoners and missing persons, ensuring that those who have completed their sentences are returned to their homeland and that the well-being of detainees is maintained while they await their return.