Pakistan to release Indians in jails quickly ઃ India

(PTI) New delhi date. 1

India today called on Pakistan to release Indian nationals and missing Indian soldiers lodged in its jails and repatriate them as soon as possible.

According to the 2003 treaty, the two countries periodically exchange lists of citizens and fishermen lodged in each other's prisons. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has submitted to Pakistan a list of 21 Pakistani nationals and six fishermen lodged in Indian jails.

On the other hand, Pakistan has also submitted to India a list of 21 Indian nationals and six Indian fishermen lodged in its jails. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the Indian government has asked Pakistan to return civilian prisoners, missing Indians and fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails with their boats as soon as possible.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry further said that one Indian national prisoner and six Indian fishermen have been identified and should be sent back to India immediately.

In addition, India has demanded immediate consular access to 12 Indian fishermen and 15 citizens. The Indian External Affairs Ministry has also asked Pakistan to grant visas to a team of Indian doctors. The team of doctors will examine Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails.

Arrangements have also been made to arrange a visit to the Joint Judicial Committee. India has said it is committed to humanitarian treatment of foreign nationals and fishermen imprisoned in jails.