New Delhi: In a move providing relief to Pakistani nationals in India, the Indian government has extended the deadline for their departure via the Wagah-Attari border until further notice. This decision marks a revision of an earlier directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which had ordered the border closed for exits after April 30.
“The order has been reviewed and, in partial modification, it is now ordered that Pakistani nationals may be allowed to exit India to go into Pakistan from the Integrated Check Post at Attari till further orders, with due clearance,” the updated notification stated.
In the past week, following the Centre’s initial announcement, a total of 786 Pakistani citizens, including 55 diplomats and their support staff, have exited through the Attari-Wagah crossing. On the other side, 1,465 Indian nationals returned from Pakistan during the same period.
The revised directive follows the tragic Pahalgam attack, in which 25 tourists and one local resident were killed in an assault attributed to Pakistan-based terrorist groups. In the aftermath, Indian authorities issued strict timelines for Pakistani visitors: April 27 for those on short-term or SAARC visas, and April 29 for medical visa holders.
Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted the chief ministers of all Indian states, directing them to ensure the timely departure of all Pakistani nationals in line with the original guidelines.
