New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said India would take up with Pakistan the issue of repatriating mentally ill prisoners lodged in jails on both sides of the border to their respective countries.

The issue of mentally ill prisoners languishing in jails of India and Pakistan needed attention of the two governments, the minister said while addressing a press conference here.

She welcomed hearing- and speech-impaired Geeta, who was stranded in Pakistan for more than a decade, after her arrival in Delhi by a Pakistan International Airlines flight.

"There is a need to be proactive on this (issue)," Sushma Swaraj said, adding that now that Geeta was back in India, she would take up the case of mentally challenged prisoners with the Pakistan government as well.

She thanked the Pakistan government and others, including the non-governmental organisation that took care of Geeta, for helping the young woman return to India.