Pakistan and India returned one another’s security personnel on Thursday in a rare prisoner swap at the Wagah-Attari border. State broadcaster PTV News confirmed the exchange, which involved a member of the Pakistan Rangers and an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constable.
Muhammadullah, a Pakistan Rangers official, was handed over to Pakistani authorities, according to security sources. Meanwhile, India received Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, a BSF soldier detained in late April after accidentally crossing the border near Kasur.
Today BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since 23 April 2025, was handed over to India: BSF
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2025
Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan territory, while on operational duty in area of Ferozepur sector on 23rd… pic.twitter.com/PnHB6wl69V
Shaw had been in Pakistan Rangers’ custody since April 23, the Indian army stated earlier. His return followed weeks of diplomatic coordination. Indian media, including The Indian Express, quoted the BSF calling the handover “peaceful” and aligned with “established protocols.”
The swap highlights occasional cooperation between the two neighbors, who often face tensions along their shared border. While such incidents are uncommon, both sides have historically returned straying personnel after investigations.
No further details about the circumstances of either detention were immediately released.
