Pakistan announced on friday that it will continue to allow the use of wagah border for its citizens stranded there due to India's decision to cancel the visas of Pakistani citizens in view of the terrorist attack in pahalgam so that they can return to their country. The Attari-Wagah border, located near amritsar in india and Lahore in pakistan, was open till april 30. It was closed on Thursday.
Around 70 Pakistani citizens were reportedly stranded at the Attari border on thursday after the deadline set by the indian government expired. While answering questions from the media, the spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Ministry admitted that there are reports of Pakistani citizens, including children, being stranded at the Attari border in India.
The spokesperson of the ministry said, "We are aware of the reports in the media which said that some Pakistani citizens are stranded in Attari. If indian authorities allow our citizens to cross their border, we are ready to accept them.''
The spokesperson said that the wagah border will remain open in future also for Pakistani citizens wishing to return. The Ministry of External Affairs criticized India's decision to cancel the visas of Pakistani citizens. Citing hindrance in medical treatment and separation of people from their families, he said, "India's decision to cancel the visas of Pakistani citizens is creating serious humanitarian challenges."
After the attack in pahalgam, kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>jammu and kashmir on april 22 by Pakistan-linked terrorists, india had issued a 'leave India' notice to Pakistani citizens. Under this, different last dates were set for leaving india for different visa categories.
This deadline was april 26 for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visa holders and april 29 for medical visa holders. The last date for other 12 categories of visas was april 27. After the deadline, no one from india or pakistan could enter each other's country.
Following India's move, Islamabad also closed the wagah border crossing and cancelled visas given to indians under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
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S Venkateshwari

02/05/2025 09:14 PM