GUWAHATI: Uncertainty gripped both sides of the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday, May 1, as the Integrated Check Post (ICP) gates remained closed throughout the day, preventing the movement of people across the India-Pakistan border. No Pakistani national was allowed to exit India, nor did any Indian citizen return from Pakistan.
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The development has taken place despite the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revising its earlier directive, which had announced the closure of the Attari border. The updated directive had allowed Pakistani nationals to exit India through the ICP at Attari until further notice. However, since no official explanation was provided by authorities at the border regarding the continued closure, the situation left those stranded in a state of confusion.
More than 40 Pakistani nationals, many of whom had been living in India for decades, gathered at the border on Thursday in hopes of returning. According to reports, among them were sisters Saida Sameer Fatima and Saida Safeer Fatima from Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, who said they had lived in India since 1983 and had no ties in Pakistan. Their family members expressed concerns over being forcibly sent to a country they no longer identify with.
In another case, a woman from Karachi facing deportation reportedly refused to leave without her child, who holds Indian citizenship. She pleaded for permission to either remain with the child or return together.
Additionally, sixteen Pakistani Hindus, who had travelled to Haridwar for last rites, were also stranded at the ICP after arriving late due to vehicle trouble.
The situation arises in the backdrop of heightened bilateral tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. In its aftermath, India revoked all short-term and special visas issued to Pakistani citizens, prompting Pakistan to suspend visas issued to Indian nationals.
Between April 24 to 30, a total of 787 Pakistani nationals exited India through the Attari border. However, Thursday saw no such movement.
Both governments have not issued any formal communication regarding those stuck at the border yet.
