ISLAMABAD: Pakistan handed over to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Monday a list of 457 Indian prisoners held in the country.

The Foreign Office said in a statement that a list of Pakistani prisoners was also given to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi by India.

The statement said that the step was “consistent with the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on May 21, 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year, on Jan 1 and July 1, respectively”.

It said that Pakistan would release 146 fishermen on Jan 8. This comes in addition to 145 fisherman Pakistan released on Dec 28.

Pakistan has continued to show India goodwill gestures, the latest of which was the release of 145 Indian fishermen on Dec 28, days after Indian spy Kulbushan Jadhav’s meeting with his wife and mother.

Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned terrorist attacks in the Afghan city of Jalal­abad and the northern province of Balkh.

“We are grieved at the loss of precious lives and express our heartfelt condolences with the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

It said Pakistan condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reaffirmed its firm commitment for continued efforts and cooperation for elimination of this menace.

“We express solidarity with the government and the people of Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism. We believe that concerted efforts by states, and close cooperation among them, are needed for eliminating the common challenge of terrorism.”

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2018