Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Bhatti, a resident of Kasur, arrived at the Wagah Attari border after being released by Indian authorities. He was warmly received by officials as he stepped back onto Pakistani soil.
Bhatti was detained in 2008 after he had entered India through Nepal in 2005. Since then, he remained in jail until his recent repatriation. His long imprisonment kept him away from his family for almost two decades.
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The Pakistan High Commission said its continuous diplomatic efforts helped secure his release and safe return. Officials confirmed that Bhatti will complete routine security checks before being reunited with his family.
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Bhatti, a Pakistani citizen imprisoned in India was repatriated to 🇵🇰 via the Wagah-Attari border today. @PakinIndia will continue to work towards the release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.
— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) February 17, 2026
@ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/FAcNhC0iSa
Under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, Pakistan and India exchange lists of prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.
According to the latest list shared on January 1, 424 Pakistani nationals are still in Indian jails, including 391 civilians and 33 fishermen. In response, Pakistan informed India that 257 Indian prisoners are in Pakistani jails, including 58 civilians and 199 fishermen.
This exchange system helps both countries track detention cases, provide consular access, and arrange the return of prisoners who have completed their sentences.
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Although the Wagah Attari border usually remains closed due to tensions between the two countries, it is sometimes opened for humanitarian reasons, such as prisoner repatriations.
Bhatti’s return shows that diplomatic channels are still active, even during difficult times. His journey home brings hope to many other families waiting for their loved ones to return.
