Hundreds return across Attari border as India announces closure following Pahalgam terror attack

Amritsar: A large number of people crossed the Attari border on Tuesday after the Indian government decided to close it in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

By late evening, around 485 people had returned to India from Pakistan, while 112 people travelled from India to Pakistan, according to official sources.

Most of those returning on both sides were Noori visa holders—a facility provided by the Indian government to Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals with close relatives in India but who have not yet acquired Indian citizenship.

Many of the returnees were married women who had travelled to meet family members and were now forced to return abruptly, leading to emotional farewells at the border.

A woman from Balochistan, married to an Indian national, shared that she had gone to Pakistan with her Indian children just days ago.

She said she had to cut her trip short and return to avoid being stranded, crediting the Noori visa facility for enabling her return.

In another case, a woman from Karachi, who had come to India for a kidney transplant, also had to return to Pakistan midway through her treatment.

Her visa was valid until May 21, but due to the border closure, she had no choice but to leave. She told reporters that medical treatment in Pakistan was unaffordable and that her relatives in India bid her farewell with a heavy heart.

The Indian government has announced April 30 as the final day for citizens of both countries to return. From May 1, the Attari border will be completely closed for cross-border movement.

Earlier, India had also suspended trade with Afghanistan via Pakistan, and bilateral trade with Pakistan has been halted since the Pulwama attack. Rail and road links between the two countries were also suspended following that incident.

Every individual crossing the border on Tuesday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed support for strict action against those responsible.