NEW DELHI, Aug 25: About 1,400 Indian prisoners, including 54 prisoners of war, were lodged in jails in Pakistan, the Indian Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

"As per information, 54 Indian PoWs are believed to be in Pakistan's custody since 1971-72," Rao Inderjit Singh, junior minister for external affairs told the Lok Sabha, UNI news agency reported.

The Indian government has consistently taken up the matter with Pakistani authorities, said the minister. He said Pakistan has never acknowledged the presence of these Indian PoWs in its custody.

Mr Singh said 938 Indian civilian prisoners and 412 fishermen were believed to be in the custody of Pakistan, besides the 54 PoWs. -dpa