In an important diplomatic development, Pakistan and India have exchanged details of their nuclear facilities and lists of prisoners held in each other’s jails, continuing a confidence-building practice between the two neighbours.
According to sources, the details of nuclear facilities were exchanged simultaneously in Islamabad and New Delhi. The exchange was conducted under a formal agreement between Pakistan and India, reaffirming a long-standing bilateral commitment.
Background of nuclear agreement
The agreement on the exchange of lists of nuclear facilities was signed in the past by former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto and former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Its primary objective is to protect sensitive installations from any possible attack and to ensure strategic stability in the region.
Exchange of prisoner lists
In addition to nuclear-related information, the two countries also exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s jails. Sources said this exchange was carried out under the Consular Access Agreement signed in 2008.
They said India’s Ministry of External Affairs handed over the updated list to the Pakistani High Commission on Thursday.
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A total of 424 Pakistani nationals are still languishing in Indian jails, sources said. These include 391 civilians and 33 Pakistani fishermen. Pakistan has once again demanded the early repatriation of its citizens who have already completed their sentences.
Regular confidence-building measure
Pakistan and India routinely exchange prisoner lists twice every year, on January 1 and July 1. The process is considered an important mechanism for maintaining diplomatic communication and addressing humanitarian concerns despite broader tensions.
Just a day ago, in a rare diplomatic moment after the May conflict between Pakistan and India, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Dhaka.
The brief but symbolic interaction took place during Sadiq’s visit to Bangladesh for the funeral of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia. The meeting marked the first face-to-face interaction between top leaders of Pakistan and India after the May war.
