A Pakistani national, Asghar Ali, has returned to his hometown in Sadiqabad after spending 25 years in Indian prisons for inadvertently crossing the Pakistan-India border, The News reported. His release was ordered by the Indian Supreme Court, ending decades of legal and personal struggle.
Ali, a resident of Chak 170-P, accidentally crossed into India in 2000 while hunting. He was immediately detained by Indian security forces and later charged with terrorism and espionage. An Indian court initially sentenced him until 2010, but just before completing his term, new charges were reportedly filed against him, accusing him of orchestrating an attack while still in jail, which extended his imprisonment.
After years of appeals, Ali approached the Supreme Court of India, which accepted his plea and ordered his release. Upon returning home, he received an emotional welcome from local residents, highlighting the relief and joy of his family and community.
Speaking to the media, Ali revealed that he endured severe physical and mental torture during his imprisonment, including repeated beatings. He maintained that the charges against him were fabricated and that his imprisonment was solely due to accidentally crossing the border while hunting.
His return has sparked discussions on cross-border security issues and the treatment of prisoners held for extended periods under contested circumstances.