Pakistan on Thursday claimed that 518 of its citizens are lodged as prisoners in Indian jails, but the latter has acknowledged the presence of only 147, raising questions about the fate of the rest.
The statement was made by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who said that Pakistan has raised the issue of prisoners with India at different forums but no conclusion could be reached.
With India acknowledging the presence of only 147 prisoners in its jails, the fate of the rest is uncertain, Qureshi told the National Assembly or lower house of parliament while replying to a question.
He added that he would raise the issue during his forthcoming visit to India. Pakistan and India recently exchanged lists of prisoners held in each other's jails as part of measures to expedite their release.
Expressing willingness to relax the visa policy with India, Qureshi said he would soon visit the country to discuss various issues, including measures to relax the visa regime between the two countries.
The practice of reporting to police by visitors in both countries should end as it is causing hardship for the people and preventing the development of businesses, he said. The world is changing and has become a global village, and in such a situation, Pakistan and India cannot follow old policies, he added.