A day after leaving several of its citizens stranded at the Attari-Wagah border, Pakistan reopened the gates on Friday to allow them to return home. The situation unfolded following India’s decision to order Pakistani nationals with short-term visas to leave the country, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 fatalities.
The Attari-Wagah border had been completely closed on Thursday, halting the movement of Pakistani nationals who were trying to return home. Although India had allowed these nationals to reach the border, many were unable to cross into Pakistan, likely due to a refusal from Islamabad. Official statements from the Pakistani government explaining the delay in their entry were not provided, adding to the confusion and frustration.
Footage from the border showed Pakistani nationals waiting at the crossing, some of them visibly upset and arguing with Indian officials. Minor scuffles broke out, as people attempted to push their way through, knocking over barricades in the process. The situation became tense, reflecting the growing frustration among those stranded.
This issue arose after India took action against Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam. As part of its response, the Indian government ordered all Pakistani nationals with short-term tourist and medical visas to exit the country. However, individuals holding long-term visas and Hindus of Pakistani origin were exempted from this directive.
As a result of India’s move, 125 Pakistani nationals were able to leave India on Wednesday, using the Attari-Wagah border, bringing the total number of departures to 911 over the course of the week. The departure deadlines for these individuals varied depending on their visa types, with April 26 set as the deadline for SAARC visas, April 27 for 12 other visa categories, and April 29 for medical visa holders.
Though the situation has now been resolved with the reopening of the Wagah border, it highlighted the tensions between the two nations and the challenges that citizens face in times of political unrest. The situation also underscored the complexities of cross-border travel amid diplomatic tensions and security concerns.
