India Calls for Quick Release of 159 Indian Prisoners from Pakistan

In a bid to secure the swift release of its citizens, India has called on Pakistan to expedite the repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stressed the urgency of this matter on Tuesday.

The appeal comes after both nations exchanged their prisoner and fisherman lists, a tradition held every January 1 and July 1 under a 2008 agreement. Alongside the request for repatriation, India has asked Pakistan for immediate consular access to 26 civilians in Pakistani custody believed to be Indian.

Moreover, New Delhi has requested Islamabad to finalize the nationality verification for 80 individuals thought to be Pakistani held in India. Since 2014, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners have returned from Pakistan, thanks to continued governmental efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)