LAHORE: The Wagah-Attari border crossing between Pakistan and India was officially closed on Wednesday, following the expiry of a deadline for repatriating citizens and long-term visa holders amid escalating tensions between the two countries.
Sources confirmed that the decision came after India implemented several measures against Pakistan, accusing it—without evidence—of involvement in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. The actions included suspending the Indus Water Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, shutting down Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi, cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, and closing the border.
Despite the repatriation efforts, a considerable number of citizens from both nations remain stranded. Authorities are now considering two options: extending the deadline to allow more time for repatriations or initiating deportations.
Over the past week, 891 Pakistani nationals, including 58 diplomats, their families, and support staff, returned home from India. Meanwhile, 1,687 Indian citizens, including 29 diplomats and officials, crossed back into India. In contrast, only a small number of individuals crossed the border through official channels during this time—eight Indians arrived in Pakistan, while 373 Pakistanis holding long-term Indian visas travelled to India.
On the final day before the closure, 110 Pakistanis, including three diplomats, came back, while 222 Indian nationals, including four diplomatic staff, returned home. The previous days also saw a steady flow of returnees, with hundreds crossing the border each day.
Officials confirmed the formal closure of the international border, marking a new low in bilateral relations. However, the future remains uncertain for those still awaiting return, as no official policy has been announced to address their situation.
As the border gates close, the move symbolizes not just a physical barrier, but also the deepening rift between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
