In accordance with the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad. This exchange takes place twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.
India shared the names of 366 civilian prisoners and 86 fishermen believed to be Pakistani, while Pakistan shared the names of 43 civilian prisoners and 211 fishermen believed to be Indian.
The Indian government has urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 185 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. Additionally, Pakistan has been requested to provide immediate consular access to 47 Indian prisoners and fishermen who have not been granted access so far.
India has also requested Pakistan to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian prisoners and fishermen pending their release and repatriation.
Since 2014, sustained efforts by the Indian government have led to the repatriation of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan. This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners repatriated since 2023.
India has requested Pakistan to expedite the verification of the nationality of 75 individuals believed to be Pakistani, who are currently in Indian custody as civilian prisoners and fishermen. Their repatriation has been delayed due to pending confirmation from Pakistan.
A total of 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have been successfully repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 478 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners who have returned to India from Pakistan since 2023.