The Foreign Office on Friday firmly rejected Indian media reports suggesting that Pakistan had shut down the Wagah border crossing for its nationals amid heightened tensions following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
This clarification came after claims by Indian media outlets, including the Times of India, that Pakistan had allegedly ‘refused’ to open the Wagah gate, purportedly leaving several Pakistani citizens stranded in India due to a diplomatic standoff.
However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed this claim, stating that the Wagah-Attari border crossing remains open for citizens returning home and will continue to be so in the future.
The FO further clarified that April 30, 2025, was the final date for crossing, and that Pakistani authorities remained fully prepared to facilitate the return of their nationals.
“We are aware of media reports that some Pakistani nationals are stranded at Attari,” the statement said. “If the Indian authorities allow our nationals to cross the border on their side, we are ready to welcome them. The Wagah border remains open for Pakistani nationals.”
The controversy arose in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, predominantly tourists. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the region in over two decades.
Following the attack, the Indian government implemented a series of stringent measures, including the cancellation of visas issued to Pakistani nationals. On April 24, Indian officials announced an immediate suspension of visa services for Pakistanis, citing security concerns.
According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, this move has created numerous humanitarian challenges. “India’s decision to cancel visas of Pakistani nationals is creating serious humanitarian challenges,” it stated.
The FO highlighted instances where critically ill patients had been compelled to return without completing their medical treatment in India. “Moreover, there are reports of families being split and children being separated from one of their parents,” it added.
Indian officials, as quoted by the news agency AFP, indicated that all Pakistani citizens currently in India would be required to leave the country upon the expiration of their visas.
While relations between the two countries have been strained for years, the situation has sharply escalated following the Pahalgam incident. Despite this, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to facilitating the return of its citizens and maintained that the Wagah crossing remains operational.
