The Foreign Office has clarified that the Wagah border will remain open for Pakistani citizens, refuting reports in Indian media suggesting otherwise.
In response to media inquiries, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the decision by India to cancel Pakistani citizens’ visas is creating serious humanitarian issues. He emphasized that the Wagah-Attari border will continue to be accessible for Pakistani citizens wishing to return home.
Khan acknowledged reports that some Pakistani citizens were stranded at the Attari border after the deadline for border crossing expired on April 30. He reassured that if Indian authorities allow these citizens to cross, Pakistan will be ready to accept them.
The spokesperson also highlighted that several patients, whose health conditions were critical, were forced to return to Pakistan without completing their medical treatments. There have also been reports of families being separated and children being parted from one of their parents.
It was further noted that 20 Pakistanis crossed into Pakistan from India through the Wagah border today. The Foreign Office had previously made it clear that the Wagah border will remain open for Pakistanis stranded in India.
India had set April 30 as the deadline for Pakistani citizens to return, but Pakistan has confirmed its commitment to facilitating their safe passage.
