Over 30 Pakistani Nationals Stranded at Attari-Wagah Border as Pakistan Refuses Entry, Causing Emotional and Logistical Chaos

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Attari: More than 30 Pakistani nationals, including elderly citizens, pregnant women, and families with young children, have found themselves stranded on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border since Thursday, May 1. This situation has unfolded after Pakistan refused to open its gates, despite India’s decision to reverse an earlier border closure that was meant to take effect on April 30.

The sudden closure by Pakistan has left numerous travelers in emotional distress and severe logistical turmoil. Among those stranded is Rova, an eight-month pregnant woman from Karachi, who is married to a Delhi resident. “My son is suffering from high fever. How can I leave my sick child behind? I should either be allowed to take my child with me or stay back in India,” she told reporters, adding that her child is an Indian citizen while she holds a Pakistani passport.

Other stranded individuals have shared similar heart-wrenching accounts. Suraj Kumar, a Pakistani national, traveled to India on a pilgrimage with his elderly mother. “I came to India ten days ago on a 45-day visa, but was told to leave early. When I reached Attari at 6:00 AM today to return, I found the gates shut,” Kumar said, visibly distressed by the unexpected closure.

Naamra, an Indian woman married to a Pakistani citizen, expressed her deep frustration and hope for resolution: “My family is in Lahore. I am standing here, hoping Pakistan will allow me in. I just want to be with my family.”

In response to the developing crisis, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs had modified its previous order and allowed Pakistani nationals to exit India through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari. However, Pakistan has yet to reciprocate, and no official explanation has been provided for the closure of the gates.

While the situation remains tense, Indian authorities have allowed a few Pakistan nationals to remain on humanitarian grounds. These include a woman who recently gave birth and an elderly resident from Rajouri with eight children in India. In contrast, others who lacked the required documentation to prove their nationality were sent back to Jammu and Kashmir for further verification.

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