India Requests Pakistan to Verify Nationality of 80 Prisoners: Diplomatic Move for Repatriation

 

In a renewed diplomatic gesture, India has formally requested Pakistan to verify the nationality of 80 prisoners currently lodged in Indian jails. The move is part of the ongoing humanitarian process between the two countries to ensure the release and repatriation of foreign detainees who have completed their sentences or have been detained without trial for extended periods.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the 80 prisoners in question are believed to be Pakistani nationals. India has submitted their details and asked Islamabad to confirm their citizenship status as soon as possible.

 

“These prisoners have either completed their prison terms or are under judicial custody awaiting verification of their identity,” an MEA official stated. “Once their Pakistani nationality is confirmed, we are ready to initiate the process of repatriation.”

This diplomatic outreach follows the regular practice under the Agreement on Consular Access signed between India and Pakistan in 2008. As per the agreement, both countries exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice every year — on January 1 and July 1. The latest request aligns with this bilateral arrangement aimed at ensuring humane treatment and speedy repatriation of detained citizens.

A Humanitarian Concern

Many of the prisoners are poor fishermen who accidentally crossed maritime boundaries in the Arabian Sea. Others are held on charges ranging from visa overstay to espionage-related suspicions. However, in many cases, the lack of proper documentation and prolonged legal procedures have left prisoners stuck in jails for years.

Human rights groups on both sides of the border have often criticized the slow pace of verification and repatriation, calling it inhumane and unjust. In some cases, mentally ill or elderly prisoners remain incarcerated despite having served their sentences, simply because nationality confirmation is delayed.

“We urge both governments to act on humanitarian grounds. These individuals deserve dignity and a chance to return home,” said a spokesperson from the South Asian Prisoner Rights Watch.

Pakistan’s Response Awaited

As of now, there has been no official response from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, experts believe that Islamabad is likely to acknowledge the request in the coming days, as such issues are usually handled through diplomatic backchannels and mutual legal assistance.

India has maintained that it is committed to adhering to international humanitarian laws and is ready to facilitate consular access to all verified Pakistani citizens.

The MEA added that 21 Indian prisoners are currently lodged in Pakistani jails, whose repatriation is also pending due to legal and administrative delays. India has asked for regular consular access to ensure their welfare.

A Regular but Slow Process

This is not the first time such a request has been made. Over the years, dozens of such cases have been resolved, but bureaucratic hurdles and strained bilateral ties often slow down the process. Despite recurring tensions between India and Pakistan over various geopolitical issues, prisoner exchanges and consular talks remain one of the few ongoing communication channels between the two nations.

As families on both sides await reunions, this request marks another effort to inject some humanity into a complex diplomatic relationship.

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