This is the 32nd year that Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of nuclear installations at the beginning of the year, as has been the practice since 1992.
Details indicate that the lists were sent to the respective governments by the Pakistani High Commissioner in India and the Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan.
In addition, the prisoner lists held in each other’s prisons were exchanged between the two nations. India has 434 Pakistani prisoners, 339 of whom are fishermen, and Pakistan has 705 Indian prisoners and 654 fishermen.
Pakistan has requested India to free 51 detained civilians and 94 fishermen with their boats as soon as possible. Additionally, Pakistan has asked for consular access for 56 detained civilians.
In contrast, India has requested an early release from prison for 631 Indian fishermen and two civilian prisoners from Pakistan. India has requested access to the remaining prisoners through consular channels.
The Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, which was signed on December 31, 1988, is the legal framework for this exercise.
On January 27, 1991, the Pakistani and Indian parliaments ratified the agreement, and the first exchange took place on January 1, 1992. The agreement requires both states to exchange the lists on January 1 of each year.
