Amritsar, April 27, 2025 – Amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, a total of 509 Pakistani nationals exited India via the Attari-Wagah border over the past three days, following the Indian government’s directive for short-term visa holders to leave by April 27.
According to officials at the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), 320 Pakistani nationals crossed into Pakistan on Saturday alone. On Friday, 106 had returned, and on Thursday, 83 more exited, bringing the three-day total to 509.
The move comes after India, citing security concerns in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, suspended the SAARC visa exemption scheme for Pakistani nationals and gave them a 40-hour deadline to leave the country. Authorities had warned that overstaying Pakistani nationals would face strict action under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
Officials at Attari stated that most of those who left were individuals who had been in India on short-term visas for medical treatment, visiting relatives, or business purposes. Immigration officials ensured the orderly movement of returning Pakistani nationals over the last few days.
Earlier this week, the Indian government had also suspended visa services for Pakistani citizens, reduced the staff strength at both countries’ High Commissions, and closed the Attari ICP indefinitely for normal cross-border movement, except for limited humanitarian cases.
The terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists and injured several others, has led to a significant hardening of India’s policy toward Pakistan, with New Delhi blaming Pakistan-based terror groups for orchestrating the assault. Pakistan, however, has denied any involvement.
Authorities are now closely monitoring any further overstayers and have intensified surveillance measures across all entry and exit points.
