India Repatriates 67 Pakistani Detainees, Urges Islamabad to Return Its Own

India today repatriated 48 Pakistani fishermen and 19 civilian prisoners via the Attari–Wagah border, all of whom had completed their sentences. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the release and said it expects reciprocity from Islamabad in ensuring the swift return of Indian nationals still in Pakistani custody.

Image Source: PakinIndia

“The Government of India attaches high priority to the issue of Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody,” the MEA stated, adding that it has urged Pakistan to expedite the repatriation of all remaining detainees, including fishermen.

#AttariWagah- 48 Pakistani fishermen & 19 civilian prisoners, who completed their sentences, were repatriated today via Attari/Wagah border. The Govt of India prioritizes Indian fishermen & civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, urging Pakistan to expedite their release &… pic.twitter.com/P9R0OEQD2I

— Ravinder Singh Robin ਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਰੌਬਿਨ (@rsrobin1) September 9, 2025

While consular exchanges between the two countries are routine under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, delays in repatriation--particularly for fishermen arrested on maritime boundary violations--remain a longstanding flashpoint. 

67 🇵🇰 prisoners(19 civilian prisoners and 48 fishermen) were repatriated via Attari-Wagah border, today. Officials from @PakinIndia were present to facilitate the process. The Govt.of 🇵🇰 will continue to actively pursue release of all 🇵🇰 prisoners in Indian jails. pic.twitter.com/Yi2d2wU1zy

— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) September 9, 2025

India has repeatedly raised concerns over humanitarian conditions and procedural lags that keep its citizens imprisoned even after sentence completion.

There was no immediate response from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the time of filing.