Due to rising India-Pakistan tensions, Pakistani citizens have been given a deadline to leave India. The deadline for SAARC visas has expired, while the deadline for medical visas is ending today.
Chandigarh: Rising tensions between India and Pakistan have resulted in a deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave India. This deadline concludes today, April 27th. Most Pakistani nationals are now queuing at the Attari border to return home. Pakistani citizens on SAARC visas were given until April 26th to leave India, while those on medical visas have until today.
Growing Crowds at Attari Border
Vehicles are lined up in long queues at the Attari border. Pakistani citizens are eager to return home, while Indian citizens have also arrived to see off their relatives. The situation is quite emotional. For instance, a teenager named Sarita explained that her mother is an Indian citizen, but she is not allowed to accompany them due to not holding an Indian passport. Sarita's family had come to India to attend a relative's wedding on April 29th, but now they are facing the pain of separation.
Pakistani Citizens Distressed Over Visa Expiry
Pakistani citizens, speaking to the media, shared that they had come to India to visit relatives but are now forced to return without meeting them. A person from Jaisalmer said that his aunt and uncle had come to see him after 36 years, but are now returning home with their dream of meeting relatives in India unfulfilled. Another Pakistani citizen stated that his 45-day visa began on April 15th, and he is now being forced to leave India after the deadline.
Indian Government Warning
The Indian government has issued a clear warning that Pakistani citizens who violate the deadline will face legal action under the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
The Pain of Pakistani Citizens
Janam Raj (70) from Peshawar shared his heartbreaking story. He came to India on a 45-day visa to visit relatives, but is now being forced to return. Mohammad Arif from Delhi said he had come to see his aunt off at the Attari border. He bly condemned terrorists and said that such individuals should be publicly hanged. Mohammad Saleem from Karachi also left with his companions, forced to return to Pakistan.
