LAHORE:
The border with Wagah-Attari closed on Wednesday after the expiration of a deadline established for the repatriation of citizens and long-term visa holders residing in India and Pakistan, as tensions increased between the two countries.
According to the sources, a significant number of nationals from both countries were still stranded on both sides of the border. Although an official policy for them has not yet been announced, but two options are being considered: grant extension to allow more repatrians or start deportations.
Last Wednesday, India announced several measures after blaming Pakistan for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Iiojk who killed 26 tourists. However, India did not provide any evidence against Pakistan.
The measures included the suspension of the Indo Water Treaty (IWT), the reduction of diplomatic ties, the closure of the high commission of Pakistan in New Delhi, canceling the visas issued to the Pakistani citizens and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border.
During the last seven days, 891 Pakistani citizens, including 58 diplomats, their families and support personnel, returned from India, while 1,687 Indian citizens, including 29 diplomats and officials returned to their country.
During the same period, eight Indian nationals who had Pakistani visas arrived here, while 373 Pakistanis had long -term Indian visas went there. Only on Wednesday, 110 Pakistani, including three diplomatic employees, returned, while 222 individuals, including four Indian diplomatic personnel, departed.
On April 29, 94 Pakistani citizens, including 10 diplomats, retreated. On April 28, 145 Pakistani, including 36 diplomats and their families, returned, followed by 237 on April 27, including nine diplomats and officials, 81 on April 26, 191 on April 25 and April 28.
From Pakistan to India, 222 individuals crossed on April 30. Before that, 469 Indian citizens, including 11 diplomats and officials, returned on April 29, 146 on April 28, 116 on April 27, 342, including 13 diplomats and officials on April 26, 287 on April 25 and 105 on April 24.
The authorities confirmed that the deadline for repatriation was over, which caused the closure of the international border.
However, the fate of those who still expect return is still uncertain.
