LAHORE: As many as 18 Pakistani nationals who were imprisoned in India crossed over to their home country through the Wagah-Attari border crossing after they were released by Indian authorities on Friday upon completion of sentence.
Indian border authorities handed over the 18 men including six fishermen and 12 civilians to Pakistan Rangers officials at the border, sources in the paramilitary force said.
As the repatriated individuals made their way into Pakistan, they were greeted with cheers and patriotic slogans. The atmosphere was filled with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan), reflecting the collective relief and happiness of the awaiting crowd.
The released prisoners, including Muhammad Hanif, Muhammad Waqas, Nazish, Ghulam Rasool, Muhammad Ramzan, Muhammad Tariq, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Shan, Luqman Muhammad Chandani, Raheb Ali Chandani, Ahmed, Roshan Ali, Abdul Amin, Muhammad Arif, Fareed Alam, Muhammad Ramzan, and Mushtaq Ahmed, received a warm homecoming.
The Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi played a pivotal role in facilitating the release and repatriation of these prisoners. Notably, Pakistan has reciprocated India’s gestures over the past four months by releasing 400 Indian prisoners, including a significant number of fishermen. In contrast, India had previously released only 22 Pakistani prisoners in May 2023, and now an additional 18 individuals have been reunited with their homeland.
