ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday rejected claims made by Indian media alleging that the Wagah border had been closed to Pakistani nationals seeking to return from India amid rising tensions following a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people — mostly tourists — has been labeled one of the deadliest incidents in the region since 2000. India has suggested cross-border involvement without providing evidence. In response, it cancelled visas issued to Pakistani citizens and ordered their departure by April 29. Pakistan’s government and military have denied the allegations and called for an impartial international investigation.
The Times of India reported that Pakistan had “refused” to open the Wagah border gate, allegedly leaving dozens of Pakistanis stuck in a diplomatic limbo at Attari.
Responding to these claims late Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified the situation in a statement to the media. It said the Indian government’s decision to revoke Pakistani visas was creating “serious humanitarian issues,” noting that some Pakistani patients had been forced to return mid-treatment and that families had been separated, with children stranded away from a parent.
The ministry confirmed that April 30, 2025, was the last scheduled day for crossing at Wagah-Attari and acknowledged that some Pakistani citizens remained stranded at Attari.
“We are open to receiving our citizens if Indian authorities permit them to cross the border,” the statement added. “The Wagah border will remain open for Pakistani nationals in the future as well.” Earlier, AFP reported that India had suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals and required those already in the country to leave before their revised visa expiry dates.
