Wed Jan 01 11:36:02 UTC 2025: **India Demands Swift Repatriation of 183 Fishermen and Prisoners from Pakistan**
**New Delhi, January 1, 2025** – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. The MEA also demanded immediate consular access for 18 more Indian nationals believed to be in Pakistani custody.
This request comes as part of the annual exchange of prisoner lists mandated by a 2008 agreement between the two countries. India provided Pakistan with a list of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, while Pakistan shared a list of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen.
The MEA emphasized India’s commitment to resolving humanitarian issues related to prisoners and fishermen. It further urged Pakistan to accelerate the nationality verification process for 76 individuals in Indian custody believed to be Pakistani, whose repatriation is currently pending.
Since 2014, India has successfully repatriated 2,639 fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners from Pakistan. This year alone, 478 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners have been returned. India reiterated its call for the safe and secure return of all Indian nationals held in Pakistan, including missing defense personnel.
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