Lahore:
The Wagah-Attari border was closed Wednesday following the expiration of a deadline fixed for the repatriation of citizens and long-term visa holders living in India and Pakistan, while tensions have increased between the two countries.
According to sources, a significant number of nationals of the two countries were still blocked on each side of the border. Although no official policy has yet been announced for them, but two options are being studied: the granting of extension to allow other repatriations or trigger deportations.
Last Wednesday, India announced several measures after blamed Pakistan for the attack on April 22 at Pahalgam at the Iiojk who killed 26 tourists. However, India has provided any evidence against Pakistan.
The measures included the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), the demotion of diplomatic links, the closure of the Pakistani High Commissioner in New Delhi, the cancellation of visas issued to Pakistani citizens and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border.
During the last seven days, 891 Pakistani nationals, including 58 diplomats, their families and the support staff, returned from India, while 1,687 Indian nationals, including 29 diplomats and civil servants returned to their country.
During the same period, eight Indian nationals holding Pakistani visas arrived here, while 373 Pakistanis holding long -term Indian visas went there. Only Wednesday, Wednesday, 110 Pakistanis, including three diplomatic employees, returned, while 222 people, including four members of Indian diplomatic staff, left.
On April 29, 94 Pakistani citizens – including 10 diplomats – returned. On April 28, 145 Pakistani, including 36 diplomats and their families, returned, followed by 237 on April 27, including nine diplomats and civil servants, 81 on April 26, 191 on April 25 and April 28.
From Pakistan to India, 222 people crossed on April 30.
Officials confirmed that the deadline for repatriation was now completed, which caused the international border closure.
However, the fate of those who are still waiting for the return remains uncertain.
