Pakistan, India exchange prisoner and nuclear lists amid cautious diplomacy

Pakistan and India have exchanged lists of prisoners and nuclear installations under longstanding confidence-building agreements, Pakistani officials said, a routine step between the nuclear-armed rivals.

The exchange, conducted twice a year under bilateral accords, took place as Pakistan outlined a broad set of regional diplomatic engagements, from South Asia to the Middle East and China, during a weekly Foreign Office briefing.

Pakistan handed over the relevant lists to the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad, the spokesperson said.

India ties and water dispute

Pakistan and India, which have fought multiple wars and remain divided over Kashmir, maintain limited diplomatic contacts even during periods of tension.

On water issues, the spokesperson said Pakistan has sought details from India regarding approval of the Dulhasti Dam project on the Chenab River, one of the rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty.

He stressed that no unilateral decisions can alter the treaty’s framework and urged India to share complete details as required. Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner has formally requested the information, he said, adding that India must adhere to its obligations.

The spokesperson reiterated that Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav committed heinous crimes against the people of Pakistan and said judicial proceedings against him are ongoing.

Afghanistan and humanitarian access

Turning to neighboring Afghanistan, the spokesperson said 1,199 Pakistani nationals approached Pakistan’s Embassy in Kabul seeking repatriation, with 291 repatriated so far.

He said the embassy remains in close contact with Pakistani citizens and is coordinating with Afghan authorities following the closure of border crossings.

On humanitarian assistance, the spokesperson said Pakistan allowed United Nations–requested aid convoys for Afghanistan to transit its territory. However, he said Afghan Taliban authorities have not granted permission for onward movement despite Pakistan clearing the convoys, even as Afghanistan urgently requires aid.

Middle East and wider regional diplomacy

On Yemen, the spokesperson said Pakistan supports the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposes unilateral actions by any Yemeni party.

He reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasized Islamabad’s commitment to Saudi security and said Pakistan backs diplomatic efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional developments, the spokesperson said. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with the Saudi foreign minister.

He added that the United Arab Emirates’ leadership remained in contact with Pakistan during the week, with the prime minister meeting UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Islamabad and Rahim Yar Khan.

Bangladesh, Somalia and China

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq attended the funeral prayers of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, met her son to offer condolences, and held talks with Bangladesh’s national security adviser, the spokesperson said.

On regional politics, Pakistan strongly rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dar and foreign ministers from several countries, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, issued a joint statement condemning the move.

The spokesperson said the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk province and Uzbekistan’s foreign minister separately held calls with Dar, including discussions on the Uzbek president’s visit next month.

Somalia’s foreign minister also contacted Dar to thank Pakistan for its support, he said.

The spokesperson announced that Dar will visit China to take part in the Pakistan-China foreign ministries’ strategic dialogue.