Pakistan and India on Friday exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, lists of the prisoners in each other jails required under an agreement signed by the two countries in 2008.

According to a Foreign Office statement, Pakistan handed over a list of 518 Indian prisoners (55 civil & 463 fishermen) in Pakistan to the High Commission of India in Islamabad.

This step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on 21 May 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July, respectively.

Meanwhile, India said it remained committed to addressing, on priority with Pakistan, humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country.

"In this context, we await confirmation of nationality of those from Pakistan who are otherwise eligible for release and repatriation and consular access to those Indian nationals in Pakistan's custody for whom it has so far not been provided," said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson for Indian External Affairs Ministry. -Business Recorder