India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously in the national capital and Islamabad, the lists of nationals (including civil prisoners and fishermen) of each country lodged in the jails of the other country consistent with the provisions of the Agreement on Consular Access between India and Pakistan.
The agreement, which was signed on 31 May 2008, provides that a comprehensive list of nationals of each country lodged in other country's jails has to be exchanged twice each year, on January 1 and July 1.
Pakistan released 163 Indian fishermen in August last year and India released 16 Pakistani prisoners including nine fishermen following the exchange of the prisoners list.
According to Pakistan media reports, India released three Pakistani prisoners in December after they completed their respective jail terms.