On February 17, 2026, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Bhatti, a Pakistani national, was repatriated to Pakistan after spending nearly 18 years in an Indian prison on charges of espionage. Bhatti was arrested in August 2008 for allegedly spying for Pakistan and was found in possession of sensitive military maps. His case, which involved complex legal proceedings and diplomatic negotiations, culminated in his return via the Wagah-Attari border. The Pakistan High Commission in India confirmed his repatriation, stating, "We will continue to work towards the release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails." This repatriation highlights ongoing efforts between the two countries to address the status of prisoners, with a recent exchange revealing that 424 Pakistani nationals remain incarcerated in India, while 257 Indian prisoners are held in Pakistan (Tribune Latest, 2026).
POLITICS
Pakistani National Repatriated from India After 17 Years

Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Bhatti, a Pakistani national, was repatriated after 18 years in an Indian prison for espionage, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts to address prisoner exchanges between I...
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Updated 10h agoPNN
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Updated 13h agoTL