Pakistan and India today exchanged lists of prisoners in each other's custody.

According to Foreign Office, the lists were exchanged in pursuance of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access.

Under the Agreement, signed on 21 May 2008, both sides are required to exchange these lists on 1st January and 1st July every year.

The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 250 Indian prisoners in Pakistan, including 52 civilian prisoners and 198 fishermen, to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

Simultaneously, the Government of India provided a list of 439 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen, who are in Indian jails.

Additionally, the Government of India was urged to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners, including 64 civilian prisoners and 33 fishermen, who have completed their sentences and whose nationality has been confirmed.

India was also urged to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Pakistani and believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners awaiting release and repatriation.

The Government of Pakistan also called for expeditious consular access to all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners to facilitate the early confirmation of their nationality.

The Government of Pakistan will continue its efforts to ensure the early return of all Pakistani prisoners.