India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s jails as part of a bilateral agreement signed in 2008.

Under the agreement, both countries share the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody twice every year, on January 1 and July 1. The latest exchange took place on Wednesday through diplomatic channels.

According to the list shared by Pakistan, 250 Indian nationals are currently lodged in Pakistani prisons. The prisoners include 198 fishermen and 52 civilian detainees.

In return, India informed Pakistan that 439 Pakistani nationals are currently lodged in Indian prisons.

The Government of India has noted that 188 Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails have already completed their sentences. New Delhi has urged Islamabad to ensure their immediate release and repatriation at the earliest.

India has also requested Pakistan to provide consular access to 13 Indian nationals who are currently in Pakistani custody, in accordance with bilateral agreements and international norms.

The periodic exchange of prisoner lists is considered an important humanitarian confidence-building measure between the two neighbouring countries, aimed at facilitating the identification, verification, and repatriation of civilian prisoners and fishermen who have inadvertently crossed international maritime or land boundaries.

India has reiterated its commitment to addressing humanitarian issues related to prisoners and has called for the early release of all Indian nationals who have completed their prison terms in Pakistan.