Three Pakistani nationals who completed their sentences in Indian jails have been repatriated to their home country via the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.
The three prisoners include Sameera Abdul Rehman, Murtaza Asghar Ali and Ahmed Raja, the MEA said in a statement.
Sameera was accompanied by her 4 year-old-daughter Sana Fatima, who was born in prison, the External Affairs Ministry said.
“The government of India attaches highest importance to addressing all humanitarian matters, including early release and repatriation of all Indian prisoners and fishermen,” the ministry said in a statement.
The government’s efforts have resulted in the release and repatriation of 20 Indian fishermen and one civilian prisoner from Pakistan’s custody so far this year.
Under the terms of a bilateral agreement, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other’s jails on January 1, and the Indian side sought the early release of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen.
According to the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen exchanged simultaneously through diplomatic channels, India had 282 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 73 fishermen in its custody. Pakistan had in its custody 51 civilian prisoners and 577 fishermen who are either Indians or believed to be Indians.
(With inputs from agencies)
