Pakistan and India have exchanged updated Detainee Lists of prisoners held in each other’s custody. The move was carried out on Wednesday through diplomatic channels.
Officials said the exchange is part of ongoing obligations under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement. Despite strained relations, both countries continue to follow this humanitarian mechanism.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan shared Detainee Lists containing details of 715 Pakistani nationals held in India. This includes 409 civilian prisoners and 306 fishermen.
In return, India also provided its updated Detainee Lists of Indian nationals currently detained in Pakistan. Both sides confirmed the exchange was completed on the same day.
Pakistan’s Head of Mission in New Delhi, Saad Warraich, formally handed over the list to Indian authorities. On the other side, India’s Head of Mission in Pakistan, Geetika Srivastava, delivered India’s list to Pakistani officials.
The exchange of Detainee Lists is a key confidence-building measure between the two countries. It is carried out twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, as part of the bilateral agreement.
Officials said the process is designed to improve transparency regarding citizens detained across borders. It also ensures timely consular access for prisoners held in both countries.
The 2008 Consular Access Agreement aims to promote humanitarian treatment of detainees. It also helps verify national identities and support communication between prisoners and their families.
Authorities noted that many detainees include fishermen who unintentionally cross maritime boundaries. These cases often arise due to unclear or disputed waters between the two countries.
The exchange of Detainee Lists helps identify such individuals and facilitates their welfare. It also supports efforts for repatriation once legal processes are completed.
Diplomatic sources said both governments remain committed to continuing this process, even amid political tensions. The mechanism is seen as one of the few consistent points of engagement between India and Pakistan.
Officials emphasized that the lists play an important role in ensuring accountability and humane treatment of prisoners. They also help reduce uncertainty for families awaiting information about their detained relatives.
The latest exchange of Detainee Lists reflects ongoing diplomatic communication between the two countries. It highlights the importance of maintaining established protocols despite broader challenges in bilateral relations.
Authorities on both sides are expected to continue this process as scheduled, with the next exchange due in early 2027.
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