Wednesday, July 9, 2014

219 civil prisoners in Pakistan jails

New Delhi:
There are 219 civilian prisoners believed to be Indian in Pakistani jails, according to Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh.

Gen Singh told Lok Sabha that as per the list of Indian prisoners provided by the Government of Pakistan on 1 July 2014, under bi-annual exchange of lists of Prisoners between India and Pakistan, Pakistan authorities state that there are 47 civilian Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails. As per available records (as on 1 July 2014) there are 249 fishermen believed to be Indian in Pakistani jails.

Two civilian prisoners who have completed their term of sentence on 08 October 2013 and 30 April 2013 respectively are still to be released and repatriated back to India. The Mission in Islamabad has been taking up the matter with the Pakistani authorities for their early release and repatriation to India, the former army chief said.

Government regularly takes up with the Pakistan authorities the issue of the early release and repatriation of all such prisoners as well as providing regular consular access to them. Government of India also, on a continuing basis, monitors the status of all such Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails. The India-Pakistan Judicial Committee consisting of retired judges from both countries visits jails in both countries to ensure humane treatment and expeditious release of prisoners, including fishermen, who have completed their prison term.

Due to Government’s continued efforts one civilian prisoner and 150 fishermen have been released by Pakistan, so far, in current year.


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