In an unusual act of goodwill, Pakistan on Wednesday handed over an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constable to Indian officials, while India responded in kind by returning a Pakistan Rangers personnel.
The BSF constable, Purnam Kumar, had crossed into Pakistan by mistake on April 23, 2025, through the Ganda Singh Wala/Ferozepur border sector, where he was detained by Pakistani forces.
On the other side, Muhammadullah, a member of the Punjab Rangers, had also unintentionally crossed into Indian territory and was taken into custody by BSF officials.
Following a series of flag meetings between both countries’ border forces, the two personnel were returned to their respective sides earlier today.
In a statement from the Indian BSF, it was confirmed that “Purnam Kumar was returned safely by Pakistan Rangers.” The Indian authorities welcomed the move, calling it a “positive signal” during ongoing tensions.
This exchange comes amid a backdrop of frosty relations, with borders tightly closed after brief skirmishes and little engagement between the two neighbors.
Still, the return of the detained personnel is being viewed as a small but encouraging step in a tense regional climate.