India and Pakistan Exchange Prisoners Lists Under Consular Pact

India and Pakistan have carried out another routine but significant diplomatic exercise. Both countries exchanged lists of civil prisoners and fishermen held in each other’s custody. The exchange was conducted under an existing bilateral agreement and reflects ongoing humanitarian and consular engagement despite broader political challenges between the two neighbors.

Why in the News?

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of prisoners and fishermen through diplomatic channels under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. The exchange highlighted humanitarian concerns, with India seeking early release, consular access, and repatriation of Indian prisoners and fishermen currently held in Pakistan.

About the Prisoners List Exchange

• The exchange took place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad.
• According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India shared details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani.
• Pakistan, in return, provided a list of 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indian.

Key Provisions of the Consular Access Agreement, 2008

• The Agreement on Consular Access (2008) allows both countries to exchange lists of prisoners twice a year.
• It ensures that detained nationals are granted consular access, enabling communication with their home country.
• The agreement aims to safeguard the rights, safety, and welfare of prisoners and fishermen, many of whom cross maritime boundaries unintentionally.

India’s Demands and Diplomatic Stand

• India called for the early release and repatriation of civil prisoners and fishermen, along with their boats.
• New Delhi also urged Pakistan to expedite the release of 167 Indian prisoners and fishermen who have already completed their sentences.
• Additionally, India sought immediate consular access to 35 prisoners believed to be Indian who have not yet been granted such access.

Humanitarian Concerns and Safety Issues

• India stressed the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody.
• Fishermen are often detained due to accidental crossing of maritime boundaries, making their prolonged detention a humanitarian issue rather than a criminal one.
• Such exchanges help prevent neglect and mistreatment of detainees.

Progress Through Diplomatic Efforts

• According to official data, sustained diplomatic engagement since 2014 has resulted in the repatriation of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civil prisoners from Pakistan.
• This includes 500 fishermen and 13 civil prisoners repatriated since 2023, indicating gradual but steady progress through dialogue and consular mechanisms.

Key Summary At Glance

Question

Q. Under which agreement do India and Pakistan exchange lists of civil prisoners and fishermen?

A) Nuclear Installations Exchange Agreement, 1988
B) Consular Access Agreement, 2008
C) Maritime Boundary Agreement, 1974
D) Prisoner Repatriation Pact, 2010