India, Pak exchange lists of nuclear facilities, prisoners

India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged lists of nuclear installations that cannot be attacked in the event of hostilities, maintaining a tradition dating back to 1992 despite relations between the two neighbours being at an all-time low.

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The two countries also exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody, with India asking Pakistan to expedite the release of 184 fishermen who have completed their prison terms and seeking immediate consular access to 12 prisoners believed to be Indian nationals.

The lists of nuclear facilities were simultaneously exchanged through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad in line with the provisions of the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

Both nations do not disclose details of nuclear installations.

The agreement was signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991. It stipulates that India and Pakistan should inform each other about their nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact on the first of January of every year.

This was the 33rd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.