ISLAMABAD: More than 25 Pakistani nationals were repatriated to Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border on Saturday.
Officials of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were present at the border to facilitate the process.
The Government of Pakistan will continue its efforts to secure the release and repatriation of all Pakistani nationals detained in Indian jails, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement here on Saturday.
The Government of India was urged to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners — 64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen — who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been confirmed. India was also urged to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Pakistani and believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners awaiting release and repatriation.
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In pursuance of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, Pakistan and India exchanged, through diplomatic channels, lists of prisoners in each other’s custody on July 1. Under the agreement, signed on May 21, 2008, both sides are required to exchange these lists on January 1 and July 1 every year.
The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 250 Indian prisoners in Pakistan — 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen — to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Simultaneously, the Government of India provided a list of 439 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen, detained in Indian jails.
The Government of Pakistan also called for expeditious consular access to all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners to facilitate the early confirmation of their nationality.
“The Government of Pakistan will continue its efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
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