Lahore:
The Wagah-Attari border was closed on Wednesday after the expiry of a deadline set to return by citizens and long-term visiting holders residing in India and Pakistan as tensions increased between the two countries.
According to sources, a significant number of nationals from both countries were still stranded on each side of the border. Although no official policy has yet been announced for them, but two options are under consideration: to give extension to allow additional returns or preliminary deportations.
Last Wednesday, India announced several measures after accusing Pakistan of the April 22 attack in Pahagam in IIOJK, killing 26 tourists. However, India did not present any evidence against Pakistan.
The measures included suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), downgrade the diplomatic ties, closure of Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, cancellation of Visa issued to the Pakistani citizens and closure of the Wagah Attari border.
Over the past seven days, 891 Pakistani citizens, including 58 diplomats, their families and support staff, returned from India, while 1,687 Indian citizens, including 29 diplomats and officials returned to their country.
During the same period, eight Indian citizens who had Pakistani Visa arrived here, while 373 Pakistanis who held long -term Indian visas went there. On Wednesday alone, 110 Pakistanis, including three diplomatic staff, returned, while 222 individuals, including four Indian diplomatic staff, left.
On April 29, 94 Pakistani citizens – including 10 diplomats – were returned. On April 28, 145 Pakistanis, including 36 diplomats and their families, returned, followed by 237 on April 27, including nine diplomats and officials, 81 on April 26, 191 on April 25 and April 28.
From Pakistan to India, 222 people crossed on April 30. Before it returned 469 Indian citizens, including 11 diplomats and officials, on April 29, 146 on April 28, April 28.
Officials confirmed that the time limit for return was now over, which was closed by the international border.
However, fate for those who still await returns remain uncertain.
