ISLAMABAD, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and India on Tuesday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody, in line with a bilateral agreement on consular access, officials said.

The exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in Islamabad and New Delhi, as part of the Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008, which mandates both countries to share such lists twice a year, on Jan. 1 and July 1.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the government handed over a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners, including 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen, to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

In return, the Indian government shared details of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, comprising 382 civilians and 81 fishermen, with a diplomat from the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi.

Pakistan has urged India to ensure the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and whose national status has been confirmed. It has also requested special consular access to all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including those who are physically or mentally challenged, to facilitate confirmation of their nationality.

Furthermore, Islamabad called on New Delhi to guarantee the safety and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners held in Indian jails.

The Pakistani government reiterated its commitment to address humanitarian issues as a priority and vowed to continue its efforts to secure the early return of all Pakistani nationals detained in India. Enditem