Rahim Yar Khan man who crossed border by mistake returns home after 25 years in Indian jail

A Pakistani man who accidentally crossed the Indian border while hunting has finally returned his home in Rahim Yar Khan after languishing for 25 years in jail in India.

Asghar Ali, a resident of Chak 170-P near Sadiqabad, reached his village on Sunday, where dozens of locals gathered to welcome him back after decades of absence.

According to his family and officials, Ali crossed into Indian territory by mistake in 2000 during a hunting trip. He was detained by Indian security forces and later charged with terrorism and spying.

Ali consistently denied the allegations, saying he had unintentionally crossed the border and had no links to militancy or intelligence agencies.

An Indian court initially sentenced him to prison until 2010. Despite completing the term, he was not released and was instead accused of involvement in an alleged attack while still incarcerated. That case led to another conviction, extending his imprisonment.

The matter was later taken up by the Indian Supreme Court, which reviewed the case and ordered his release, clearing the way for his return to Pakistan after spending a quarter of a century in custody.

After reaching home, Ali spoke about the difficulties he faced in prison, saying he was subjected to repeated physical abuse and endured years of hardship. He maintained that false cases were repeatedly registered against him to keep him behind bars and reiterated that his ordeal began with an accidental border crossing during a hunting expedition.