India has taken a big step in easing tensions with Pakistan by sending back 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 civilian prisoners across the Attari-Wagah border on Tuesday. This move highlights India’s focus on humanitarian issues, especially for fishermen and prisoners caught in cross-border disputes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared that the Indian government prioritizes the release of Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners stuck in Pakistan’s custody. In a strong statement, MEA urged Pakistan to speed up the process for all remaining Indian prisoners, including fishermen, to return home quickly.
This exchange comes after India and Pakistan swapped lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in July through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad. As per their 2008 bilateral agreement on consular access, these lists get updated twice a year—on January 1 and July 1. India reported 382 Pakistani civilians and 81 fishermen in its custody, while Pakistan listed 53 Indian civilians and 193 fishermen held by them.
MEA emphasized the need for prompt action. India has called on Pakistan to release and send back 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who’ve already served their sentences, along with their boats. It also demanded immediate consular access for 26 believed-to-be-Indian prisoners who haven’t gotten it yet. Plus, India wants Pakistan to ensure the safety and welfare of all Indian or believed-to-be-Indian detainees until they can return.
On the flip side, India asked Pakistan to fast-track nationality checks for 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners and fishermen in India, so their repatriation can move forward without delays. This shows both countries’ ongoing efforts to handle prisoner exchange and fishermen repatriation humanely.
India remains committed to resolving these cross-border humanitarian issues on a priority basis, fostering better ties through such gestures.
