The Attari-Wagah Border between India and Pakistan has been temporarily closed after the Indian government ordered Pakistani nationals with short-term visas to leave the country. Find out more about the border closure, visa cancellations, and the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Attari-Wagah Border Closed Amid Surge of Departing Pakistani Nationals

In a significant move, the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan has been completely shut down. This action follows a week of increased traffic as Pakistani nationals left India after the government ordered all short-term visa holders from Pakistan to leave the country in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The closure has affected border crossings, with no movement between the two nations on Thursday.

Surge in Departures Following Government Directive

Over the past week, there has been a significant surge in the number of Pakistani nationals leaving India through the Attari-Wagah border. On Wednesday alone, 125 Pakistanis crossed over, bringing the total number of departures to 911 in just seven days. Indian nationals holding Pakistani visas were also seen leaving India, with 15 individuals departing for Pakistan on Wednesday.

The Impact of the Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mainly tourists, led to the Indian government’s stern decision to expel Pakistani nationals. The attack, carried out by terrorists with alleged ties to Pakistan, intensified tensions between the two countries. In response, the Indian government has issued specific deadlines for various categories of Pakistani visa holders to leave India.

Visa Cancellations and Deportations

As part of the government’s measures, Pakistani nationals holding various types of visas—including SAARC visas, medical visas, and business visas—have been ordered to leave by set deadlines. Pakistani nationals with SAARC visas were given until April 26, while medical visa holders had until April 29 to depart. Several other visa categories, such as those for business, tourism, and conferences, had deadlines ranging from April 26 to April 27.

On April 23, three advisors from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata and were given a week to leave India. Along with them, several diplomats and support staff were also asked to depart.

Border Crossing Statistics

The Attari-Wagah border saw significant movements during this period. Key figures include:

• April 30: 125 Pakistanis, including 10 diplomats, departed India.

• April 29: 94 Pakistanis, including 36 diplomats and their families, left the country.

• April 28: 237 Pakistanis, including nine diplomats, crossed the border.

• April 27-24: Multiple groups of Pakistanis left, totaling hundreds.

Simultaneously, Indian nationals also crossed back from Pakistan via the same route. On April 30, 152 Indians returned to India from Pakistan, and similar numbers were reported on preceding days.

Increased Tensions Between India and Pakistan

The border closure and diplomatic actions have resulted in further deterioration of already strained relations between India and Pakistan. The Indian government has been proactive in ensuring that no Pakistani nationals remain in India beyond the specified deadlines.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Intervention

On April 25, Union Home Minister Amit Shah summoned state chief ministers to ensure strict compliance with the visa revocation orders. Similarly, Govind Mohan, the Union Home Secretary, held videoconferences with state officials to monitor the situation and expedite the departure of Pakistani nationals.

The Road Ahead for Diplomatic Relations

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, New Delhi imposed additional sanctions, including the cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals. This move, coupled with retaliatory actions from Islamabad, has made the already tense diplomatic relations even more fragile. As both nations continue to navigate these challenges, the future of cross-border relations remains uncertain.