Four Pakistani nationals repatriated from India

LAHORE:

Four Pakistani nationals held in India have returned home following diplomatic efforts by the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, officials said on Tuesday, marking a humanitarian development in ongoing prisoner repatriation between the two countries.

The individuals were handed over by Indian authorities to Pakistan Rangers at the Wagah border, after which they were brought back to Pakistan.

Those repatriated were identified as Muhammad Irfan, Aamir Raza, Muhammad Hamza and Hasnain.

According to security sources, all four belonged to Gujranwala, Sialkot and Rahim Yar Khan, and were mentally challenged. They had inadvertently crossed into Indian territory in 2025.

The Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi confirmed the development, stating that efforts would continue to secure the release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners held in India.

The return comes in the context of an ongoing bilateral mechanism under which Pakistan and India exchange lists of prisoners.

Under this arrangement, both countries shared updated lists on January 1, 2026. Pakistan provided details of 266 Pakistani prisoners held in India, while India shared information regarding 462 Indian prisoners in Pakistani custody.