India, Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners

India and Pakistan Monday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their respective custody as per provision of a 2008 agreement.

The lists of prisoners were exchanged through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the External Affairs Ministry said.

"India handed over lists of 256 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in India's custody to Pakistan. Pakistan has shared lists of 209 prisoners and 52 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or believed-to-be Indians," it said.

Under the provisions of the 2008 agreement, India and Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their respective custody on January 1 and July 1 every year.

The MEA said India has called for an early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats.

"In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 10 Indian civil prisoners and 124 Indian fishermen .