Tensions Escalate: Wagah/Attari Border Closed as Repatriation Deadline Expires; Deportation or Extension Likely for Remaining Citizens

Lahore: Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India, the Wagah/Attari border has been closed after the expiration of the deadline both countries had set for the return of each other’s citizens and long-term visa holders. Authorities report that a large number of citizens from both sides remain stranded near the border.
Sources indicate that despite the closure, hundreds of Indian and Pakistani nationals are still present on the opposite sides of the border. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding either granting a short extension for repatriation or initiating deportation procedures.
Over the past seven days, 891 Pakistani citizens — including 58 diplomats, their families, and support staff — returned to Pakistan from India via the Wagah-Attari border. Similarly, 8 Indian nationals holding Pakistani visas also crossed over. In the same period, 29 Indian diplomats and their families, along with 1,687 Indian citizens and 373 Pakistani nationals with long-term Indian visas, returned to India by April 30.
On April 30 alone, 110 Pakistanis — including three members of diplomatic staff — returned from India, while 222 individuals, including four Indian diplomats, crossed into India from Pakistan.
The daily repatriation figures from April 24 to April 30 highlight the urgency with which both countries facilitated the return of their nationals ahead of the deadline. However, no official policy has yet been announced for those unable to return in time.
Officials say two options are currently under consideration: either granting a few more days for the remaining citizens to return or proceeding with deportation in accordance with immigration protocols.