Sun Apr 27 09:15:17 UTC 2025: **Hundreds of Pakistani Nationals Rush to Leave India Amidst Heightened Tensions**
Amritsar, India – April 27, 2025 – Hundreds of Pakistani nationals rushed to cross the Attari-Wagah border on Sunday, scrambling to leave India before visa deadlines expire amidst escalating tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The April 22nd attack, which killed 26 people, has drastically strained relations between India and Pakistan, leading to the expedited expulsion of many Pakistani visitors.
Emotional scenes unfolded at the border as families separated, with many Indian relatives coming to see off their Pakistani family members. One heartbreaking case involved a teenage girl, Sarita, whose family had traveled to India for a wedding. She was distraught as Indian authorities refused to allow her Indian mother to accompany them back to Pakistan, despite the mother’s marriage to her Pakistani father in 1991.
Many other Pakistani nationals shared similar stories of disrupted visits, with some having traveled for weddings or family reunions, while others were seeking medical treatment in India. Several interviewees expressed shock and sadness at the abrupt end to their visits and the circumstances forcing their hurried departure.
The situation is further complicated by India’s recently enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which warns of legal action against those who overstay their visas. While medical visas are valid until April 29th, most other Pakistani nationals were given a deadline of April 27th to leave.
The Pahalgam attack, which India has blamed on Pakistani-based groups, has significantly worsened already strained relations between the two countries. Both nations have implemented retaliatory measures, including visa cancellations. The tense atmosphere at the border underscores the deepening crisis between India and Pakistan.
First Piper 