RAHIM YAR KHAN: A Pakistani national has returned home after spending 25 years in Indian custody, following his release on orders of the Indian Supreme Court, officials and family members said.

Asghar Ali, a resident of Chak 170-P near Sadiqabad, inadvertently crossed into Indian territory in 2000 while hunting. He was taken into custody by Indian security forces and later charged with terrorism and espionage.

An Indian court sentenced him to imprisonment until 2010. However, Ali said that just before his scheduled release, fresh cases were registered against him, alleging that he had planned an attack while still in jail. Based on these accusations, another court handed down a new sentence, extending his imprisonment.

After years of legal proceedings, Ali filed an appeal before the Indian Supreme Court, which accepted his plea and ordered his release.

Upon his return to Chak 170-P after a quarter of a century, Ali was given an emotional welcome by local residents, who gathered to receive him.

Speaking to the media, Ali said he endured severe physical and mental torture during his detention, including repeated beatings. He maintained that false cases were lodged against him and said he was imprisoned solely for mistakenly crossing the Pakistan-India border while hunting.