Pakistan reopens Attari-Wagah border, begins taking back stranded citizens; NORI visa holders still denied entry

Pakistan reopened the Attari-Wagah border on Friday, permitting its citizens stranded in India to return home after short-term visas were revoked by the Indian government. The border had remained shut since May 1, following a directive by India asking all Pakistani nationals to leave after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The closure left dozens of Pakistani nationals—including elderly individuals and families visiting relatives—stranded on the Indian side despite India’s readiness to facilitate their return.

The Indian government had issued 'Leave India' notices to Pakistani nationals on various visa categories. Holders of SAARC visas were instructed to exit by April 26, medical visa holders by April 29, and those on 12 other visa types—including tourism, student, pilgrimage, journalism, business, and film—were required to leave by April 27. By May 1, the Attari border was closed, halting movement for both Indian and Pakistani nationals. Around 70 Pakistani citizens were reported stranded due to missed deadlines.

Only Pakistani passport holders were allowed to cross the border after it reopened. Individuals holding NORI (No Obligation to Return to India) visas—including Indian citizens with family ties in Pakistan—were not granted permission to enter Pakistan. An Indian woman from Shamli, who held a valid NORI visa and planned to visit her sister in Pakistan, was stopped at the border despite carrying all necessary documents. Indian families in similar situations remained blocked at the check post.

On Thursday, limited movement was permitted. Two to three vehicles carrying Pakistani nationals were allowed to cross, including one family that had waited at the border since the previous day. A group of pedestrians carrying their belongings was also allowed entry. However, immigration and customs officials confirmed that Pakistan had earlier sealed its side of the border, delaying cross-border clearance despite India’s facilitation.

Among those stranded was Suraj Kumar, a Pakistani national who had been visiting his aunt in Indore and missed the April 30 deadline. “I didn’t know it was the last day to leave,” he said. Another individual named Rajesh, traveling with 15 family members on a 30-day visa, was stuck after a trip to Haridwar. Officials stated that any Pakistani national who fails to exit India within the revised visa timelines could face up to three years in jail, a fine of ₹3 lakh, or both.