A Pakistani citizen who spent 25 years in Indian prisons after accidentally crossing the border while hunting has finally returned home, following orders from the Indian Supreme Court.
Asghar Ali, a resident of Chak 170-P near Sadiqabad in Rahim Yar Khan district, reached his hometown on Sunday, where he was warmly welcomed by local residents who had gathered to greet him.
According to official and family accounts, Ali mistakenly crossed into Indian territory in 2000 during a hunting trip. He was arrested by Indian security forces and charged with terrorism and espionage, despite maintaining that he had unintentionally trespassed and that he was not involved in any militant or intelligence activity.
An Indian court initially sentenced him to imprisonment until 2010. However, despite completing his sentence, Ali remained in custody after being accused of involvement in an alleged attack while still in prison, leading to a further conviction.
After a legal appeal, the Indian Supreme Court reviewed the case and ordered his release, enabling Ali to return to Pakistan after a quarter of a century behind bars.
Speaking after his arrival, Ali described the hardships he endured during his detention, citing repeated physical abuse and prolonged suffering throughout his incarceration. He also said that false allegations were repeatedly made against him to extend his imprisonment, reiterating that his initial arrest had resulted solely from an accidental border crossing during a hunting expedition.