ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan on Monday committed to prioritising humanitarian issues as they exchanged lists of hundreds of civilian prisoners and fishermen detained in each other’s jails, continuing a biannual tradition under a 2008 consular access agreement.

“The Government of Pakistan is committed to addressing humanitarian matters as a priority,” the Foreign Office said in a statement on the exchange of lists.

Delhi also expressed a similar resolve saying India remains committed to addressing all humanitarian matters on priority, including issues pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other’s country.

The FO revealed that it had handed over a list of 254 Indian civilians and in its custody, including 43 civilian prisoners and 211 fishermen.

In return, India disclosed that 452 Pakistanis, presumed or confirmed, are detained in its facilities. This includes 366 civilian prisoners and 86 fishermen.

Additionally, Pakistan has submitted a list of 38 missing defence personnel, believed to be held by India since the conflicts of 1965 and 1971, reiterating calls for their whereabouts and release.

The exchange of lists, which occurs every January 1 and July 1, is part of efforts to ensure consular access and address humanitarian issues related to detained individuals.

Islamabad, on this occasion, called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India.

The FO further pledged to continue its efforts for early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. It recalled that 62 Pakistani prisoners were repatriated last year, and release of four has so far been secured in the current year.

This exchange stems from the Consular Access Agreement of 2008 aimed at fostering transparency regarding the detainees from either side.

Despite the political ups and downs, such exchanges have been a regular function of the diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan, focusing on alleviating the hardships of those caught in cross-border bureaucratic and legal hurdles.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2024