On Eid in July this year, the teenager watched with a heavy heart, as his father left him to go home, to Pakistan.
For over a year since he, along with his father and 30 other fishermen, was caught by the Indian Coast Guard for straying into Indian waters, it is freedom at last for Pakistani teenager Ghulam Hussain.
After their arrest, the 30 fishermen were kept in a jail in Gujarat's Jamnagar, and six teenagers, including Ghulam Hussain, were shifted to a juvenile home a few kilometres away. In July this year, the group was overjoyed at hearing that 82 Pakistani fishermen would be released as a goodwill measure, and allowed to go home.
For Ghulam Hussain and his father, that joy was short-lived.
When the names were sent to the home ministry for verification, all were cleared for release except Ghulam Hussain because of some technical error.
On Eid in July this year, the teenager watched with a heavy heart, as his father left him to go home, to Pakistan.
The Gujarat Police had recently sent another reminder to the Pakistani High Commission through the Union Home Ministry about the teenager. Fortunately, his case was also taken up by noted Pakistani Human right activist, Ansar Burney.
Finally, on Tuesday, the Gujarat police got a nod from the authorities and Ghulam Hussain was released from the juvenile home.
"He is expected to be handed over to the Pakistani authorities at Wagah border on Friday at 11 am for a reunion with his parents," said sub inspector Virendra Solanki.
Ghulam Hussain was elated at his release, though he insists that he will miss his friends at the juvenile home. He, in fact, was seen touching the feet of senior officials at the juvenile home seeking their blessing as he left for his journey home.
"I will miss all the people at the juvenile home but am excited that finally I will meet my parents after over a year," he said.