Lagatar24 Desk
Amritsar: Pakistani nationals in India have begun arriving at the Wagah-Attari border in Amritsar to exit the country ahead of the deadline set by Indian authorities, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead.
Visa Suspension After Pahalgam Attack
India responded strongly to the attack by suspending all visa services for Pakistani citizens. Pakistani nationals currently in India were given until Sunday to leave the country, with only medical visa holders allowed to remain until Tuesday. Pakistan has also retaliated by suspending SAARC visa privileges for Indian citizens.
Crowds Gather At The Border
At the Wagah border — a historically significant and heavily monitored checkpoint — families have begun gathering to return to Pakistan. Many were seen waiting just a kilometre from the border, some visibly distressed by the sudden turn of events. One Pakistani national told NDTV, “I was informed of the Kashmir incident and asked to leave within 48 hours. So, I am leaving.”
UP Begins Formal Exit Procedures
In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has initiated a formal process to ensure the departure of all Pakistani nationals. Though no official order has yet been issued from the central government, the police headquarters has instructed district officials to begin collecting data on Pakistani citizens residing in the state on various visa types.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting late Thursday night with top officials including Home Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad and DGP Prashant Kumar to discuss the logistics of the repatriation effort.
Trade and Ceremonial Closures
The Wagah border, once the only active land trade route between India and Pakistan, has also been shut down, halting the iconic evening flag-lowering ceremony that draws thousands of tourists. The shutdown underscores the rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
India Cites ‘Sustained Cross-Border Terrorism’
India has accused Pakistan of being a “global epicentre of terrorism” and holding continued ties with terrorist outfits. Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government suspended the Indus Water Treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement, citing Pakistan’s involvement in “sustained cross-border terrorism.”
In retaliation, Pakistan has reportedly suspended all bilateral agreements with India, including the historic 1972 Simla Agreement, escalating diplomatic tensions to new highs.
