Pakistani nationals begin return via Attari-Wagah route after 48-hour deadline

Amritsar: Several Pakistani nationals began returning to their country via the Attari-Wagah route in Amritsar on Thursday, a day after the Centre set a 48-hour deadline for them to leave India. The move comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced a series of stringent measures, including the suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and the immediate closure of the Attari land-transport post.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistani citizens currently in India under the SAARC Visa Waiver Scheme (SVES) must leave the country within 48 hours. He also clarified that no new entries under the scheme would be allowed.

The Centre said the Integrated Check-Post (ICP) at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. However, Pakistani nationals currently in India who hold valid travel documents may return through the Attari route before May 1.