457 Indian nationals including several hundred fishermen in Pakistani jails

The Foreign Office said India will also hand over the list of Pakistani prisoners to Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

A total of 457 Indian prisoners, including 399 fishermen, are languishing in Pakistani jails, according to a list the Pakistan’s government handed over to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Monday.

Under the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on May 21, 2008, both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. (Representational photo)

The Foreign Office said the step of giving the list of prisoners was consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on May 21, 2008.

Under the agreement, both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.

“Pakistan today handed over a list of 457 Indian prisoners — 58 civil prisoners and 399 fishermen — in Pakistan, to the High Commission of India in Islamabad,” it said.

It further said Pakistan will release 146 fishermen on January 8.

The Foreign Office said India will also hand over the list of Pakistani prisoners to Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other’s territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away.