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Wagah-Attari border closure leaves several families in limbo

IANS April 25, 2025 305 views

The sudden closure of the Wagah-Attari border following the Pahalgam terror attack has left numerous families in a state of uncertainty. Citizens from both Pakistan and India were forced to hastily return to their respective countries, interrupting travel plans and family gatherings. Families with cross-border connections found themselves abruptly separated, highlighting the human cost of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The border shutdown underscores the fragile nature of people-to-people connections between India and Pakistan.

"Families with cross-border ties often bear the brunt of rising tensions" - Asif Memood, Journalist"
Islamabad, April 25: Pakistan and India's decision to shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack has forced several citizens from both countries to cut short their visit and rush back home.

Key Points

1

28 Pakistani nationals return from India after border closure

2

105 Indian citizens cross back to their country

3

Hindu and Sikh families disrupted by sudden border shutdown

4

Uncertainty looms for cross-border families

On Thursday, after both countries announced closure of border crossing and gave a deadline for citizens to leave for their respective countries, at least 28 Pakistanis nationals returned from India while 105 Indian citizens in Pakistan crossed over into India.

A Hindu family from Balochistan's Sibi was reportedly denied entry into India after the closure of border crossing.

"We were on our way to Indore in Madhya Pradesh to attend a wedding. Seven members of our family were excited to join our relatives in India and take part in the celebrations. But upon reaching Wagah, we learned that the border had been sealed. We will spend the night at Dera Sahib in Lahore and head back home tomorrow," said Akshay Kumar.

Meanwhile, a Sikh family from India, in Pakistan to attend a wedding, decided to leave for India immediately.

"We had come to Pakistan for a wedding. While the ceremony took place, several important rituals remained. Once we heard the border was closed, we decided to return immediately," said Raminder Singh, an Indian national.

A Hindu family from Ghotki in Pakistan's Sindh province, now residing in New Delhi, was visiting Pakistan for the last two months to meet their relatives. However, they are now unsure about getting permission to return to India.

"There are five of us, including my young son and daughter, uncle and aunt. We all hold Pakistani passports and were granted No Obligation to Return to India (NORI) certificate by India. But uncertainty looms now, said a family member named Indira.

"Families with cross-border ties often bear the brunt of rising tensions between the two neighbours. With tensions between Pakistan and India once again on the rise, human connections across borders are becoming the first casualty," said Asif Memood, a Lahore-based journalist.

"The closure of the Wagah-Attari border has left many families in limbo, uncertain when they will next reunite with their loved ones," he added.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
This is so heartbreaking 💔 Families shouldn't have to suffer because of political tensions. That Hindu family missing their wedding is especially sad - imagine all the preparations gone to waste.
A
Amit P.
While I understand the security concerns, the governments should have made exceptions for families with genuine reasons. A 24-hour notice period would have helped many complete their important journeys.
R
Rahul S.
The NORI certificate situation is concerning. These families have legal documents but still face uncertainty. There needs to be better coordination between both countries' immigration systems.
F
Fatima Z.
My cousin was supposed to come visit us from Amritsar next week. Now we don't know when we'll see each other again. These borders divide families who share the same culture and history.
K
Kabir M.
Respectful criticism: The article focuses mostly on Hindu/Sikh families. There are many Muslim families similarly affected who deserve mention too. The human impact transcends religion.
P
Priya T.
The emotional toll on children in these situations must be terrible. Having to suddenly leave friends/relatives without proper goodbyes can be traumatic. Hope they reopen soon 🤞

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Tags:
Wagah-Attari Border India-Pakistan Relations Border Closure Cross-Border Families Pahalgam Terror Attack
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