Pakistan on Friday announced that it would continue to allow the use of the Wagah border for its citizens trapped there due to India’s decision to cancel the visa of Pakistani citizens in view of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam so that they could return to their country.
The Attari-Wagah border near Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan had opened till 30 April. It was closed on Thursday.
About 70 Pakistani citizens were allegedly stuck on the Attari border on Thursday after the deadline fixed by the Government of India was over.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson answered media questions and admitted that there were reports of Pakistani citizens including children being trapped on the attic border in India.
The ministry spokesman said, “We are aware of the media reports that some Pakistani citizens are trapped in the attic.” If Indian officials allow our citizens to cross their border then we are ready to accept them. ”
The spokesperson said that the wagah limit will be open for the Pakistani citizens wishing to return.
The Ministry of External Affairs criticized India’s decision to cancel the visa of Pakistani citizens.
“India’s decision to cancel the visa of Pakistani citizens is creating serious human challenges,” he cited obstructing medical treatment and being separated from their families.
India issued notice of ‘Quit India’ to Pakistani citizens after terrorists associated with Pakistan were attacked in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April.
Under this, different last dates for leaving India for different visa categories were set.
The deadline for South Asian Regional Cooperation Organization (SAARC) visa holders was 26 April and for medical visa holders it was 29 April. The last date for other 12 categories visas was 27 April.
After the end of the deadline, no one could enter each other’s country from India or Pakistan.
After India’s move, Islamabad also closed the Wagah Border Outpost and canceled the visas given to Indians under the SAARC Visa Rebate Scheme (SVES).
