March 21, 2008	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, 1429

NEW DELHI, March 20: Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that a new consular agreement is being finalised with Pakistan to replace the existing protocol to ensure expeditious release of prisoners in each other’s countries.

He told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that a judicial committee comprising superior judges from the two countries had been formed to address such issues.

Replying to a question, Mr Mukherjee said the existing arrangement between India and Pakistan on grant of consular access and the release of each others’ nationals in custody was governed by the provisions of the Protocol on Consular access of Nov 2, 1982.

He said the Indian government was concerned that 372 fishermen and an estimated 199 prisoners were in Pakistani jails, many of whom had not been granted consular access despite prolonged periods in custody.

Referring to delay in release of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails for minor offences, the minister said travel documents were not provided to them in time by the government of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan High Commission has asked the Indian government to provide details about over 500 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.

Sources said that consular access to 200 Pakistani prisoners had been sought while travel documents to over 200 prisoners had been issued for their early repatriation to Pakistan.

They said no response from the Indian side had been received so far.—APP