Karnah, June 19: Asad Khan, a resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, who was detained in Samari village of Kupwara district on June 12, 2026, after crossing the Line of Control (LoC), was repatriated to Pakistan on June 18, 2026.
The handover was carried out through the Peace Bridge (Aman Setu) over the Kishanganga River at Teetwal. The occasion was attended by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Karnah, senior officers of the Indian Army, the Station House Officer (SHO) Karnah, officials from the Health Department, and representatives of other concerned departments.
According to local sources, Asad Khan had been residing in Muzaffarabad, although his native home is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is reported that his three brothers are employed in Saudi Arabia. Asad had travelled to the Neelum Valley area in search of work. During a period of heightened tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, he reportedly lost his way and inadvertently crossed the Line of Control, where he was subsequently detained near Samari.
During his stay in India, Asad Khan was treated with dignity and compassion. He was also taken on visits to various educational institutions, mosques, and other important places in Karnah. After the completion of all necessary legal formalities, he was safely handed over to the Pakistani authorities.
Officials stated that in the past as well, individuals who accidentally crossed the border into this side have been repatriated with respect and dignity after the completion of legal procedures on humanitarian grounds. The return of Asad Khan is another example of this spirit of humanity and goodwill.
