According to security sources, Indian Border Security Force’s (BSF) Purnam Kumar Shah was handed over to Indian officials by Pakistan. Purnam Kumar Shah had been detained by Pakistani security agencies after entering Pakistani territory. Following investigations and legal procedures, he was returned to India on humanitarian grounds.

On the other side, Indian authorities released Pakistani citizen Muhammad Ullah to Pakistani officials at Wagah. Muhammad Ullah, who serves with the Punjab Rangers, had inadvertently crossed into Indian territory and was detained by Indian forces.

The exchange was conducted in a formal ceremony at the border, with security and immigration officers from both sides supervising the process until the end. After the handover, each prisoner was taken to their respective agency for medical and psychological evaluation.

It is considered as a significant diplomatic gesture after the recent skirmishes between Pakistan and India.

The prisoners exchange came after the contact between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. Therefore, it is noteworthy that both countries are gradually normalizing relations.

On May 12, as the DGMOs of both sides agreed to continue the ceasefire, the formal contact between both sides was established. The prisoners swap on Wagah border is the aftermath of this contact and experts are expecting more similar steps from both sides.