As many as 55 prisoners were exchanged between Pakistan and India, including 36 Indians and 19 Pakistanis in a ceremony held at no man's land at the Wagha check-post here as mark of a goodwill gesture between the two countries. Most of these prisoners were behind bars on charges of overstaying, illegal crossing of border and travelling without proper documents.
Officials of foreign offices of India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force were also present on the occasion.
These prisoners were scheduled to be exchanged at about 10:00am but they were handed over at 4:00pm due to late arrival of the Indian magistrate.
P.N. Sinha, officer of Indian High Commission in Islamabad, told newsmen that release of prisoners is an outcome of ongoing talks between the two countries.
He said that more prisoners of both the countries would be released soon. He said that he has no idea regarding exact number of prisoners in both the countries.
To a query, he said that the strength of officials in Indian High Commission at Islamabad has reached 75 and around 400 visas are being issued daily.
He further said that efforts are underway to open Indian Consulate in Karachi.
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the time of release of prisoners.
Meanwhile, an Indian delegation, which arrived here to participate in Baba Bulleh Shah Urs celebrations left for India through Wagah border.
Talking to newsmen before leaving to India, Nirmilla Panday, member of Indian Parliament, said that their delegation also met with President General Pervez Musharraf.
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