Pakistan, India exchange prisoner lists under Consular Access Pact

Pakistan and India on Wednesday exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody under the bilateral agreement on consular access. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exchange of prisoner lists took place through diplomatic channels. The statement said Pakistan provided the High Commission of India in Islamabad with a list of 250 Indian prisoners currently in its custody, including 52 civilian detainees and 198 fishermen. PR No. 159/2026 Pakistan and India Exchange Lists of Prisoners 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1lLr3dsacY — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 1, 2026 In return, India handed over a list of 439 Pakistani prisoners in Indian custody. The list includes 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen currently detained in Indian jails. Under the bilateral agreement signed on May 21, 2008, both countries are required to exchange such prisoner lists twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. Pakistan has also urged India to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose nationalities have already been verified. These include 64 civilian detainees and 33 fishermen. Additionally, Pakistan called on India to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of all Pakistani nationals currently being held in custody. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan has also stressed the need for India to grant consular access to these detainees as soon as possible so that their citizenship can be verified without delay. Officials said Pakistan will continue efforts to facilitate the early return of its citizens to the country. Pakistan Rejects India’s Criticism Over Strikes Along Afghan Border