Pakistan Shuts Gate on Its Own Citizens at Attari-Wagah Border

Amritsar :Over 30 Pakistani nationals, including elderly citizens, pregnant women, and young children, remain stranded at the Attari-Wagah border after Pakistan refused to open its gates on Thursday, despite India’s decision to permit their exit.

This unexpected move has triggered distress among families caught in the diplomatic standoff. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier announced the closure of the Attari border from April 30 but reversed the decision, allowing Pakistani citizens to return via the Integrated Check Post (ICP) until further notice. However, Pakistan has not reciprocated or issued any formal statement regarding its border restrictions.

Among those affected is Rova, an eight-month pregnant woman from Karachi, who is married to an Indian national in Delhi. Speaking to reporters, she voiced her anguish: “My son is suffering from a high fever. How can I leave my sick child behind? I should either be allowed to take my child with me or stay back in India.”

Another stranded individual, Naamra, an Indian woman married to a Pakistani citizen, stood at the border in tears. “My family is in Lahore. I am just hoping Pakistan will let me return. I want to be with my loved ones,” she said.

Indian authorities, citing humanitarian concerns, have allowed some individuals to remain temporarily. This includes a woman who recently gave birth and an elderly Pakistani resident from Rajouri who has eight children living in India. Those unable to provide valid documentation of Pakistani nationality were transported back to Jammu and Kashmir.

According to official figures, 911 Pakistani citizens have crossed back into Pakistan in the past week. However, nearly three dozen continue to wait at the border, uncertain of their fate.

Suraj Kumar, a Pakistani national who had travelled to India with his elderly mother on a pilgrimage, expressed his dismay: “We came on a 45-day visa just ten days ago, and now we are stuck here without any information.”

With no response yet from the Pakistani authorities, the stranded individuals remain in limbo, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to return home safely.