Amritsar: Tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir have led to a swift movement of citizens across the Attari-Wagah border.
Nearly 75 Pakistan nationals returned to their homeland through the border on Saturday, followed by more than 50 Pakistan nationals returning by 11 am on Sunday. Meanwhile, Indian nationals in Pakistan also returned home through the same border.
After the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government cancelled the visas of all Pakistan nationals, urging them to leave the country by 27 April this year. Those who came on medical visas have time till 29 April.
In response to the move, Pakistan’s government has also issued an advisory for Indian nationals to leave the country.
A group of four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, armed with AK-47 rifles and wearing body cameras, sprayed 26 men with bullets on Tuesday last week.
The attack has led to heightened tensions between the nations after India brought allegations of cross-border terrorism against Pakistan, which has denied any involvement.
As Pakistani nationals leave India, they express disappointment at having to cut short their visits. “I am India’s daughter. I got the visa after five years. My mother and brother died during this period. I only spent three days in my homeland and have to return now,” said 48-year-old Indian-born Rabika, before her return to Karachi, where she got married, from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where she had been staying.
On the same lines, as Indians return from Pakistan, they describe Pakistan’s atmosphere as tense. Nearly 335 Indian nationals who had travelled to Pakistan to attend weddings have returned home, some without having the chance to be at the festivities.
They are among the 727 Indian nationals, who crossed the border from Pakistan between Saturday and Sunday, according to protocol officer Arun Mahal, who has been overseeing the arrangements at the Attari-Wagah border.
Similarly, in the past three days, roughly 294 Pakistani nationals have left India through the border.
Protocol officer Mahal said that individuals will be allowed to return to their home countries up to 30 April through the Attari-Wagah border. “Those who travelled with permissions can return [to Pakistan] without complications,” Mahal said.
Several Indians had entered Pakistan with valid visas only weeks before the Pahalgam terror attack. Most were making personal visits, attending family events, or visiting relatives, many of whom remain scattered on both sides of the border due to historical ties. However, the sudden escalation of hostilities has prompted the two nations to make urgent travel arrangements for their citizens.
Indian authorities, Arun Mahal said, are ensuring smooth and secure passage for all travellers. “We are facilitating the return in a phased and systematic manner. The safety and convenience of the citizens is our top priority,” he added.
Additionally, security measures have been increased at the Attari-Wagah border with strict verification procedures and additional security personnel to manage the increased flow of travellers. Local administration officials and border security forces are coordinating closely to prevent untoward incidents.
Islamabad-New Delhi ties remain strained, with further developments likely to depend on diplomatic conversations between the two nations over the coming days. However, now, the countries are focusing on ensuring their citizens’ safe travel before the 30 April deadline.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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