Parliament Question: Imprisonment of fishermen in Pakistan

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1514 ANSWERED ON- 12/02/2026 IMPRISONMENT OF FISHERMEN IN PAKISTAN #1514. SHRI SHAKTISINH GOHIL Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of such Indian fishermen imprisoned in Pakistan whose sentences have been completed but they have not been released; and (b) the steps being taken by Government to repatriate such fishermen? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a to b) India and Pakistan exchange lists of fishermen and civil prisoners of each country, lodged in jails of the other, on 1st January and 1st July every year. According to the lists exchanged on 01.01.2026, Pakistan acknowledged the custody of 199 Indian/believed-to-be Indian fishermen. As per available information, there are 183 Indian fishermen whose sentences are complete. Government of India attaches high priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. As soon as the instances of apprehension of Indian fishermen by Pakistani authorities are reported, immediate steps are taken by the High Commission of India in Islamabad to seek consular access from the Government of Pakistan. During consular access, officials from the High Commission of India visit the Indian/ believed-to-be-Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails to ascertain their well-being and distribute daily-use welfare items. All possible assistance is extended to the Indian fishermen for their early release and repatriation, along with the release of their boats. The issue is consistently raised with the Government of Pakistan underlining that the issue may be considered purely on humanitarian and livelihood grounds. As a result of sustained efforts by the Government, 2661 Indian fishermen have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. *****