At least 25 Pakistani nationals have returned home after their release from Indian jails. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi confirmed their repatriation on Saturday.
According to the mission, the nationals crossed into Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari border. Pakistani officials were present to facilitate their return.
The development brings relief to families awaiting the return of their relatives. Most of those repatriated were fishermen held in Indian custody.
The Pakistan government said it would continue efforts for further repatriations. It also pledged to pursue the release of all eligible Pakistani prisoners in India.
Pakistani Officials Facilitate Repatriation
The Pakistan High Commission confirmed the repatriation through a statement on social media. It said mission officials were present at the border during the process.
Their presence helped facilitate the return of the released Pakistani nationals. The officials also assisted with necessary arrangements at the crossing.
The government reiterated its commitment to securing the release of Pakistani nationals. It said efforts would continue through relevant diplomatic channels.
25 Fishermen Welcomed After Release
The Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (FCS) welcomed the release of 25 Pakistani fishermen. The society felicitated members of the fishing community following their return.
The FCS expressed hope that the fishermen would soon reunite with their families. It also hoped they could resume their normal lives.
The society thanked government institutions for their cooperation. It also acknowledged efforts made to secure the fishermen’s release.
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Fishermen from Pakistan and India can face detention after unintentionally crossing maritime boundaries. The maritime boundary between the two countries is not always easy for fishermen to identify.
Such detentions have remained a recurring humanitarian issue between the neighbouring countries. Prisoner exchanges and consular access arrangements are therefore important for both sides.
Pakistan and India Exchange Prisoner Lists
The latest repatriation came nearly a month after another diplomatic development. Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody.
The exchange took place under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement. The agreement requires both countries to exchange prisoner information twice each year.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Islamabad provided India with details of 250 Indian prisoners. The list included 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen.
India simultaneously shared information about 439 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners. The Indian list included 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen.
The figures highlight the scale of the longstanding prisoner issue between both countries. They also show why regular consular communication remains important.
Pakistan Seeks Release of Eligible Prisoners
Pakistan had also urged India to release 97 Pakistani prisoners. The group included 64 civilians and 33 fishermen.
According to Islamabad, these prisoners had completed their sentences. Their Pakistani nationality had also been confirmed.
The latest repatriation represents another step in addressing the prisoner issue. However, many cases still require diplomatic coordination and verification.
Pakistan has said it will continue efforts for the release of remaining eligible nationals. Families of detained citizens continue to await progress through official channels.
