India and Pakistan Exchange Lists of Civil Prisoners and Fishermen Under 2008 Agreement

In a routine but significant diplomatic move, India and Pakistan have exchanged comprehensive lists of civil prisoners and fishermen detained in each other’s custody through official channels in New Delhi and Islamabad.

According to the details shared, India handed over information regarding 386 civil prisoners and 53 fishermen currently in its custody. In response, Pakistan provided lists containing details of 52 civil prisoners and 198 fishermen believed to be Indian nationals.

The exchange was carried out in line with the 2008 Consular Access Agreement between the two countries, which aims to ensure timely consular access, humane treatment, and facilitation of repatriation for detained nationals. Such biannual or periodic exchanges have become a standard practice to address humanitarian concerns arising from arrests, particularly those involving fishermen who inadvertently cross the maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea, as well as other civilians.

Officials from both sides are expected to review the lists and initiate further processes for verification, legal proceedings, and potential releases where applicable.

The issue of fishermen and prisoners remains a sensitive humanitarian matter, with families on both sides often awaiting the return of their loved ones. Advocacy groups have long called for faster resolution of these cases to ease the suffering of affected families.