Pakistan to release 173 Indian prisoners

Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday announced that it will release 173 Indian prisoners via the Wagah Border.

A release by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Islamic Republic has always held the issue of prisoners between the two countries as a `humanitarian` one.

"Pakistan is releasing 173 Indian prisoners (including 172 fishermen) today, who will be repatriated to India through Wagha. Earlier, Pakistan had released 40 Indian prisoners on 29 November 2014," the release said.

"Pakistan has always held that the issue of prisoners between the two countries is a humanitarian one and should be taken in that spirit. It is our hope that the Government of India would release all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences," it added.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs had confirmed that the Indian prisoners held in Pakistan would be released by Pakistan on February 16 and sent home. (ANI)

Last month, Pakistan`s Foreign Office had confirmed an exchange of prisoners list with India.

Pakistan Foreign Office official spokesperson Tasnim Aslam had told the media that New Delhi and Islamabad had exchanged lists of prisoners under the consular access agreement between the two countries.