India and Pakistan ends three-week old standoff

India and Pakistan on Wednesday ended their three-week standoff after they agreed to release the detained trucks in their respective territories.

According to the agreement, 27 trucks would be released from PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir), while India would also free the 48 trucks detained at Salamabad check post in Kashmir.

On January 17, India had detained a Pakistani driver for his alleged involvement in smuggling of narcotics. Afterwards Pakistan had made it clear that they would not allow the Srinagar-Muzzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote bus services to run till the impounded truck and arrested driver were released.

The seizure was the largest contraband haul since cross-border trade began across the heavily militarised Line of Control in 2008, and estimated to be worth one billion rupees in the international market.

However, authorities in both the nations now agreed upon to release the trucks and the detained drivers seemed delighted after they received the news of their return.