Pakistan, July 1 -- Pakistan on Wednesday called on India to release and repatriate 97 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in Indian jails. The appeal was made during the latest exchange of prisoner lists under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. Islamabad also urged New Delhi to ensure the safety and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners in its custody.

According to the Foreign Office, the 97 prisoners include 64 civilians and 33 fishermen. Under the bilateral agreement, Pakistan and India exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody on January 1 and July 1 every year. The mechanism is intended to facilitate consular access and humanitarian cooperation.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan provided the Indian H...