Pak to release 173 Indian prisoners on February 16

New Delhi: Pakistan will release 173 Indian prisoners out of 526 inmates on February 16, External Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday.

Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the government has received a written communication from Pakistan on the release of 173 Indian prisoners including one civilian.

"Expectation of return soon. We have been informed that 173 Indian prisoners are to be released & repatriated from Pakistan on 16 February," he also tweeted.

The prisoners will come through Wagah and will be first received by Indian diplomatic mission staff, he said.

According to official figures, as on January 1 this year, there were as many as 526 Indians lodged in Pakistani jails which included 50 civilians.