537 Pakistanis Including Diplomats Leave India via Attari Border Amid Visa Deadline; 850 Indians Return

Amritsar: In a major diplomatic and humanitarian movement, 537 Pakistani nationals, including nine diplomats and officials, left India through the Attari-Wagah border over the past four days as the deadline for short-term visa holders expired. At the same time, 850 Indians, including 14 diplomats and officials, returned from Pakistan through the same international crossing in Punjab, officials confirmed on Sunday.

This large-scale exit follows the Indian government’s strict directive issued after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were tragically killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists. In response, India announced a series of tough measures, including revoking visas of Pakistani nationals across multiple categories.

537 Pakistanis Exit India; 850 Indians Cross Over from Pakistan

According to officials, 237 Pakistani nationals exited on Sunday alone, while 81 left on April 26, 191 on April 25, and 28 on April 24. Meanwhile, on the Indian side, 116 Indians returned on Sunday, 342 on April 26, 287 on April 25, and 105 on April 24.

Protocol Officer at the Attari border, Arun Mahal, told PTI that during April 24-27, the numbers stood at 537 Pakistanis crossing over and 850 Indians returning.

Some Pakistani nationals also likely left via airports, although due to the lack of direct flights between India and Pakistan, they may have traveled through third countries, officials added.

Visa Holders Ordered to Leave by Deadlines

The Indian government’s directive primarily targeted holders of 12 visa categories, including:

• Visa on Arrival
• Business
• Film
• Journalist
• Transit
• Conference
• Mountaineering
• Student
• Visitor
• Group Tourist
• Pilgrim
• Group Pilgrim

The exit deadline for SAARC visa holders was April 26, while those on medical visas were given until April 29 to leave.

However, individuals on long-term visas, diplomatic, or official visas were exempted from this order.

Additionally, three Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission were declared Persona Non Grata on April 23 and given a one-week deadline to leave, along with five support staff members.

In retaliation, India also withdrew its Defence Attache from its High Commission in Islamabad.

Emotional Farewells at Attari Border

The border crossing at Attari in Amritsar district witnessed emotional scenes as vehicles queued up and families bid tearful goodbyes.

One heart-wrenching story was that of Sarita and her family, who had come from Pakistan for a wedding scheduled for April 29. While Sarita, her father, and brother are Pakistani nationals, her mother is Indian.

Breaking into tears, Sarita said, “They are telling us they will not allow my mother to go along. My parents got married in 1991. They are saying Indian passport holders will not be allowed.”

States Ensure Compliance: Amit Shah’s Strict Orders

Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally reached out to the chief ministers of all Indian states, directing them to ensure complete compliance with the Leave-India directive. Following this, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a video conference with the state chief secretaries to monitor the situation.

Here’s a state-wise glimpse:

• Maharashtra: 5,050 Pakistani citizens, mostly on long-term visas. All short-term visa holders accounted for and deportation arrangements underway.
• Telangana: Out of 208 Pakistanis, only 13 held short-term visas; all have left.
• Kerala: 104 Pakistani nationals—five short-term visa holders have exited.
• Madhya Pradesh: 228 visitors—many have already left.
• Odisha: 12 Pakistanis—all complied with the deadline.
• Gujarat: Seven short-term visa holders have either left or are leaving.
• Goa: Three Pakistani nationals asked to leave.
• Uttar Pradesh: Only one Pakistani remains, scheduled to leave on April 30.
• Bihar: All 19 Pakistani nationals on short-term visas have exited.

Indo-Pak Relations at a New Low

The already strained relations between India and Pakistan have further deteriorated after the Pahalgam attack.
New Delhi’s swift measures, including visa cancellations and diplomatic expulsions, mark a significant hardening of its stand.

Pakistan, in response, has issued its own tit-for-tat measures, escalating tensions between the two neighbors.

This unprecedented move showcases India’s firm resolve to protect its citizens following terror attacks, while also highlighting the deep emotional human cost of fractured relations between two neighboring nations.

As the diplomatic standoff intensifies, the world watches closely how future Indo-Pak ties unfold in the coming months.