On January 1, 2026, the Indian government revealed that 167 Indian citizens remain in Pakistani jails despite having completed their sentences. The revelation came as India and Pakistan exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other's custody, a routine practice under the Agreement on Consular Access signed in 2008.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that, along with the exchange of lists, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the release and repatriation of these 167 individuals, comprising both fishermen and civil prisoners.

As part of the bi-annual exchange, India shared a list detailing 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani. Pakistan, in turn, provided a list containing 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen who are Indian or believed to be Indian. The MEA also highlighted the need for immediate consular access to 35 Indian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani custody who have not yet been granted such access. The Indian government has also requested assurances regarding the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian prisoners in Pakistan.

The exchange of prisoner lists occurs twice annually, on January 1st and July 1st, as per the 2008 agreement. ThisConsular Access Agreement facilitates the exchange of information about prisoners and aims to improve their treatment and facilitate their release.

Alongside the prisoner exchange, India and Pakistan also exchanged lists of their nuclear installations, a practice established in 1988 to prevent attacks on each other's nuclear facilities.

Despite ongoing efforts, the repatriation of Indian prisoners who have completed their sentences remains a challenge. The MEA reported that since 2014, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civil prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners since 2023.

The situation underscores the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, where humanitarian issues often intersect with political tensions. While the exchange of prisoner lists and the agreement on nuclear installations represent important confidence-building measures, the delayed release of prisoners who have served their time remains a significant concern for the Indian government. New Delhi continues to press Islamabad for the immediate release and repatriation of these individuals, emphasizing the importance of upholding their rights and ensuring their well-being.