Pakistan Reopens Border to Welcome Back Its Citizens After Visa Cancellations
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Pakistan Reopens Attari-Wagah Border to Repatriate Citizens After Pahalgam Attack
On May 2, 2025, Pakistan reopened the Attari-Wagah border, facilitating the return of its citizens who were stranded in India. This development came after India revoked short-term visas for Pakistani nationals in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities.
The border had remained closed for nearly 24 hours, leaving several Pakistani nationals, including elderly individuals and those visiting family, in a state of uncertainty on the Indian side. Despite India’s readiness to assist in their return, the delay from Islamabad caused distress among those affected.
The Pahalgam attack, claimed by a previously unknown group called the Kashmir Resistance, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and closed the Attari-Wagah border. Pakistan responded by canceling visas for Indians, closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, and suspending trade relations.
The reopening of the border marks a step towards addressing the humanitarian concerns arising from the diplomatic standoff. However, the broader geopolitical tensions between the two nations remain unresolved.
