A Pakistani citizen has finally returned home after spending 25 long years in an Indian jail. His release ended with a painful chapter that began with a simple mistake near the border. The man crossed into Indian territory while hunting and lost decades of his life behind bars.
According to reports, Asghar Ali is a resident of Chak 170-P near Sadiqabad. In the year 2000, he was hunting close to the Pakistan-India border. By accident, he crossed into Indian land. Indian security forces arrested him on the spot. Soon after, authorities charged him with terrorism and espionage.
An Indian court heard his case and sentenced him to prison until 2010. Ali completed the term given by the court. He expected freedom after serving his sentences. However, his release did not happen as planned. Just before his expected release, new cases were filed against him.
Ali said the new charges were false. He claimed that officials accused him of planning an attack while he was still in custody. Another court accepted the new case and extended his punishment. This decision kept him inside an Indian jail for many more years.
For a long time, Ali fought his case through the legal system. His family waited in Pakistan with little hope. After years of delay, Ali filed an appeal in the Indian Supreme Court. The court reviewed the case and found problems in the charges. The judge accepted his plea and ordered his release.
After the court order, authorities freed him from the Indian jail. He crossed back into Pakistan after 25 years. His return marked the end of a long legal and personal struggle. Read the full news about political accountability in Asia in our news on Former South Korean PM Han Duck-soo Jailed For 23 Years: Details Inside.
When Ali reached his hometown of Chak 170-P, people welcomed him with open arms. Residents gathered to greet him. Many were emotional after seeing him free at last. His family thanked those who supported his case during the long years.
Speaking to the media, Ali shared painful memories from prison life. He said he faced severe physical and mental torture. He spoke about repeated beatings and harsh treatment. He also said that false cases kept him locked up for many years.
Ali maintained his innocence. He said he never had any link with terrorism or spying. He repeated that his only mistake was crossing the border by accident while hunting. He added that his life was destroyed because of that one moment.
His case highlights the risks faced by people living near sensitive borders. It also shows how legal delays can change a person’s life forever. After 25 years in an Indian jail, Ali now hopes to rebuild his future in Pakistan.
