Amritsar, April 28, 2025 – More than 1,000 Indian nationals have returned from Pakistan through the Wagah border over the last six days, following the Indian government’s directive to short-term visa holders to exit Pakistan promptly.
According to officials, 1,098 Indians have crossed back into India through the Attari-Wagah border between April 23 and April 28. On Monday alone, 178 Indian nationals arrived via the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Attari. This movement comes in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a notice last week, giving Pakistani nationals on short-term visas in India 48 hours to return home, and also urging Indian nationals visiting Pakistan on similar visas to come back without delay. The move is part of a broader set of measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of cross-border check posts.
Security has been heightened at the Attari border, with thorough screening and verification procedures being conducted for the returning Indians. Officials at the ICP reported that a steady stream of Indian citizens, including pilgrims, visitors, and business travellers, are continuing to arrive at the border amid the current diplomatic standoff.
Sources said that a majority of the returning Indians had traveled to Pakistan for religious pilgrimages, including visits to Kartarpur Sahib and other prominent Sikh shrines.
The situation remains tense along the Indo-Pak border as both nations continue to enforce strict measures, significantly reducing people-to-people contact.
