Over 500 Pak prisoners in Indian jails, claims Qureshi

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan on Thursdayclaimed that 518 of its citizens are lodged as prisoners in Indian jails, butthe latter has acknowledged the presence of only 147, raising questions aboutthe fate of the rest.

The statement was made by Foreign MinisterShah Mahmood Qureshi, who said that Pakistan has raised the issue of prisonerswith India at different forums but no conclusion could be reached.

With India acknowledging the presence of only 147 prisoners in itsjails, the fate of the rest is uncertain, Qureshi told the National Assembly orlower house of parliament while replying to a question.

He addedthat he would raise the issue during his forthcoming visit to India.

Pakistan and India recently exchanged lists of prisoners held ineach other's jails as part of measures to expedite their release.

Expressing willingness to relax the visa policy with India, Qureshisaid he would soon visit the country to discuss various issues, includingmeasures to relax the visa regime between the two countries.

Thepractice of reporting to police by visitors in both countries should end as itis causing hardship for the people and preventing the development of businesses,he said.

The world is changing and has become a global village, andin such a situation, Pakistan and India cannot follow old policies, he added.
-timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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