India, Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear installations, prisoners

NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged lists of nuclear installations that cannot be attacked in the event of hostilities, maintaining a tradition dating back to 1992 despite relations between the two neighbours being at an all-time low. The lists of nuclear facilities were simultaneously exchanged through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad The two countries also exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody, with the Indian side asking Pakistan to expedite the release of 184 Indian fishermen who have completed their prison terms and seeking immediate consular access to 12 prisoners believed to be Indian nationals. India and Pakistan exchange lists of prisoners and fishermen twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. The Indian side shared lists of 337 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or are believed to be Pakistani, the external affairs ministry said in a separate statement. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 12 civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian,” the external affairs ministry said.