LAHORE:
The only functional land crossing between Pakistan and India, the Wagah border, remained closed or partially operational amid bilateral tensions over the past year, severely affecting travel, trade, pilgrimages and people-to-people contacts.
Daily flag-lowering ceremonies continued at the beginning of the year. However, in April, a major security incident in Pulwama triggered a sharp escalation, leading to the suspension of visa procedures, the restriction of diplomatic contacts and the closure of the border between Wagah and Atari.
In response, Pakistan tightened its visa policy for Indian citizens and suspended movement across the Wagah border. By the end of April, the crossing was effectively closed. Tensions rose further in May when India launched missile strikes against several areas of Pakistan.
From May 7 to 10, brief but intense military clashes occurred between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan called the attacks an act of open aggression and carried out effective defensive operations.
Throughout 2025, no formal dialogue process took place between both countries. Decisions on visas, trade and border management remained deadlocked, affecting Wagah’s border operations.
The Kartarpur corridor also remained closed during the year.
Border closures disrupted tourism, family visits, weddings and cultural exchanges. Tourist arrivals, which had remained stable in the first quarter, fell to zero after the May clashes. Overall, 2025 saw a decline of approximately 80 per cent in the number of visitors to Wagah compared to previous years. Although Independence Day parades were held on both sides in August, attendance remained limited.
Pilgrimages were also affected. On January 5, 102 Pakistani pilgrims visited India to attend the Urs of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti. On April 12, India issued visas to 188 Pakistani pilgrims for the Urs of Amir Khusro.
Pakistan issued visas to 6,700 Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi celebrations in April and subsequently received 2,100 Indian pilgrims for the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in November.
Limited prisoner exchanges and the return of convicts on humanitarian grounds continued.
