21 Pakistani nationals stranded at Attari-Wagah allowed to cross border, several more in queue

Amritsar: About 21 Pakistani nationals stranded at the Attari-Wagah border following the expiry of the Indian government's deadline for them to leave the country crossed over into Pakistan through the land route of the Integrated Check Post on Friday, officials said.

In wake of last week's Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government cancelled all types of visas granted to Pakistani nationals and ordered them to leave by April 30.

The Attari-Wagah border, located near Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan, was shut on Thursday after being kept open till April 30.

According to reports, about 70 Pakistani nationals were stranded at the border on Thursday after the deadline for them to leave India expired a day earlier.

The 21 Pakistani nationals who entered Pakistan till 12 pm on Friday had been camping on the roads outside the Integrated Check Post.

About 50 more Pakistani nationals are queuing outside the Integrated Check Post and may be allowed to cross over into Pakistan after due clearance of customs and immigration authorities.

Pakistan on Friday announced it would continue to allow the use of the Wagah border crossing for its citizens stranded in India.

Responding to media queries, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged reports of Pakistani nationals, including children, stranded at the Attari border on the Indian side.

"We are aware of the media reports indicating that some Pakistani nationals are stranded at Attari. We are open to receiving our citizens in case the Indian authorities allow them to cross the border from their side," the spokesperson said.

The Wagah border will remain open for Pakistani nationals seeking to return in the future as well, the spokesperson added.

However, some other foreign nationals who had visa to move in their personal vehicles were yet not permitted to cross the border and were waiting near the Integrated Check Post.