A Border Security Force (BSF) constable, PK Singh, has been detained by Pakistan Rangers after inadvertently crossing the international border near Ferozepur, Punjab. The incident occurred on Thursday when Singh, a member of the 182nd battalion, crossed over while accompanying local farmers and seeking shade. He was in full uniform and carrying his service rifle at the time. Indian officials have confirmed that talks between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers are underway to ensure his swift and safe return.

This incident has reignited memories of the high-stakes 2019 standoff between India and Pakistan, when Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan. Tensions between the two nations were already at a boiling point following the deadly Pulwama terror attack on February 14, 2019, in which a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Indian security personnel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, killing 40 CRPF soldiers.

In retaliation, India launched airstrikes across the Line of Control on February 26, targeting what it claimed was a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistani territory. The very next day, on February 27, Wing Commander Varthaman was flying a Mig-21 Bison as part of a mission to intercept Pakistani jets attempting retaliatory strikes.

In a dramatic aerial dogfight, he managed to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was hit and brought down. He ejected safely but landed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where he was captured by Pakistani forces in the village of Horran, about 7 kilometres from the Line of Control. His capture intensified diplomatic tensions, but also led to widespread calls for de-escalation. After significant international pressure and domestic outcry, Pakistan released Varthaman on March 1, 2019, in what was widely seen as a gesture aimed at diffusing the crisis.

RAW’s Stern Warning To ISI

At the time, India mounted a swift diplomatic and military pressure campaign for his release. Then RAW chief Anil Dhasmana reportedly delivered a blunt warning to ISI chief Lt. Gen. Asim Munir over a secure line. Dhasmana made it clear that any harm to Abhinandan would be met with severe consequences, placing full responsibility on Islamabad for the pilot’s safety.

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Pakistan’s Panic And 9 PM Ultimatum

Recounting the dramatic turn of events, Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ayaz Sadiq later revealed in the National Assembly that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had pleaded for Abhinandan’s release during a high-level meeting. According to Sadiq, General Bajwa, Pakistan’s Army Chief, appeared visibly shaken as Qureshi warned that India would launch a military strike by 9 PM if the pilot was not returned. This internal pressure ultimately led to Abhinandan’s release within 60 hours of his capture.

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India’s Military And Diplomatic Posture

Former Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa confirmed that India was prepared for all scenarios, with offensive military readiness and international diplomatic engagement working in tandem. Dhanoa, a personal acquaintance of Abhinandan’s father, emphasised the nation’s resolve by recalling a previous incident during the Kargil War where a captured Indian pilot was killed. “We couldn't get Ahuja back, but we were determined to get Abhinandan back,” he stated.