India, Pakistan swap border personnel amid post-conflict thaw

Both nations exchange detained officers at Wagah after the ceasefire deal ends weeks of cross-border tension

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI (MNTV) — India and Pakistan exchanged one prisoner each at the Wagah-Attari border on Wednesday, marking a rare moment of cooperation following weeks of heightened military tensions and cross-border hostilities.

Security officials confirmed that both sides handed over uniformed personnel who had crossed into the other’s territory earlier this year.

The exchange was carried out under tight security and coordinated through diplomatic channels.

Pakistan released Purnam Kumar Shaw, an Indian Border Security Force constable who had entered Pakistani territory on April 23 through the Ferozepur sector.

He was apprehended by Pakistan Rangers shortly after his crossing, which came a day after the April 22 deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 dead.

In return, India repatriated Muhammad Allah, a Punjab Rangers officer who had been detained by Indian forces near the international border in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district.

Though the exact circumstances of their border crossings remain unclear, officials from both sides confirmed that the repatriations were coordinated through diplomatic channels, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve bilateral relations.

The exchange offers a glimpse of de-escalation after India launched what it called a targeted military operation in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack.

Tensions had reached a high point with reported airspace violations and retaliatory claims, prompting international calls for restraint.

While relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors remain fragile, the repatriation of personnel suggests backchannel diplomacy remains active and may be gaining traction in preventing further escalation.