Will the Wagah Border Stay Open for Citizens Returning from India?

Islamabad, May 2 (NationPress) - Pakistan has declared that the Wagah Border will remain accessible for its citizens returning from India after New Delhi rescinded their visas in the wake of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam which resulted in 26 fatalities.

This announcement arrives as numerous Pakistani individuals found themselves stranded on the Indian side of the Attari border.

The Pakistan Foreign Office stated, "Numerous Pakistani patients were compelled to abandon their treatment, and there have been instances of families torn apart, including children separated from one parent." They further noted, "Though the deadline for Pakistani nationals to return from India was set for April 30, the Wagah border in Lahore will continue to accept its citizens should Indian authorities permit them to cross from their side."

"The Wagah border will consistently remain open for Pakistani nationals in the future," the Pakistan Foreign Office affirmed.

They emphasized that India's decision to revoke the visas of Pakistani citizens is generating significant humanitarian challenges.

Both India and Pakistan opted to cancel the visas of each other's nationals as a reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack and the escalating tensions that followed.

Following India's immediate cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani citizens and setting a deadline of April 30 for their return to Islamabad, this action was mirrored, resulting in families from both nations hurriedly wrapping up their stays.

Reports indicate that numerous Pakistani families who had traveled to India for medical treatment were forced to return under these conditions, while many remain stranded on the Indian side of the border.

One Pakistani family who visited India for their children's heart treatment had to return without receiving the necessary medical care, according to media reports.

"My children are innocent in this situation. We had to come back to Pakistan without the medical treatment for my two sons, who urgently need care. I urge the Pakistan government to facilitate treatment in another country," expressed Shahid Ali, father of the two ill children.

"Their heart condition could have been treated in New Delhi because of its superior medical facilities. However, after the Pahalgam incident, we were instructed to return to Pakistan immediately," he added.

Additionally, many Pakistani nationals who have married in India are facing family separations. In several cases, a Pakistani parent living in India must return alone due to government orders from both sides. Reports suggest that thousands of Pakistani nationals are still in India, attempting to return home.