As per officials, a total of 786 Pakistani nationals, including 55 diplomats, their dependents, and support staff, along with eight Indians holding Pakistani visas, have departed from India through the Attari-Wagah border crossing in the last six days. This action was taken following a Government Order in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 29, 2025.
Additionally, 1,465 Indians, including 25 diplomats and officials, as well as 151 Pakistani citizens with long-term Indian visas, have crossed over to India from Pakistan through the International Border crossing in Punjab since April 24.
The ‘Leave India’ notice was issued to Pakistani nationals after the Pahalgam terror attack claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists, on April 22. The deadline for those holding SAARC visas was April 26, while for medical visa holders, it was April 29.
Furthermore, various other visa categories had deadlines ranging from April 24 to April 27. Diplomatic and official visa holders were exempt from the ‘Leave India’ order.
In response to the attack, three Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared Persona Non Grata and were given one week to leave India. Five support staff of these defence attaches were also asked to depart. India reciprocated by withdrawing its defence attaché from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
The officials reported that a significant number of Pakistani nationals and Indians have left or returned through the Attari-Wagah border and the International Border crossing in Punjab in recent days.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructed Chief Ministers to ensure that no Pakistani nationals overstayed beyond the specified deadline.
The strained relations between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, leading to reciprocal measures being taken by both countries.
537 Pakistanis leave via Attari; no order to extend deadline, say officials
Following directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Pakistani nationals with revoked visas were required to leave India by the stipulated deadline.
Published – April 30, 2025 05:07 pm IST
