ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Friday categorically rejected Indian media reports suggesting that Islamabad had closed the Wagah border crossing to its nationals amid escalating tensions following the recent deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Several Indian news outlets, including the Times of India, had alleged that Pakistan “refused” to open the Wagah gate, reportedly leaving Pakistani citizens stranded in India due to a diplomatic standoff.
In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a firm denial, stating that the Wagah-Attari border remains open for the return of Pakistani nationals and will continue to operate as normal.
“The final scheduled date for crossing was April 30, 2025,” the Foreign Office clarified. “Pakistani authorities remain fully prepared to facilitate the return of our nationals.”
The statement addressed reports of Pakistani citizens being stuck on the Indian side of the border. “If Indian authorities allow our citizens to cross, we are ready to receive them. The Wagah crossing remains open,” it emphasized.
The confusion emerged amid rising hostilities following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The assault is among the deadliest the region has seen in over two decades.
In the aftermath, India imposed a series of tough measures, including the abrupt cancellation of visas issued to Pakistani nationals. On April 24, Indian authorities also announced the immediate suspension of all visa services for Pakistanis, citing national security concerns.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office described these moves as creating significant humanitarian consequences. “India’s decision to cancel visas for Pakistani nationals is generating serious humanitarian challenges,” the FO stated.
Among those affected are critically ill patients forced to return home before completing medical treatment, and families torn apart, with reports of children separated from one parent due to visa expirations.
According to Indian officials, all Pakistani citizens currently in India will be required to leave the country once their visas expire.
While tensions between the two countries have remained high for years, the Pahalgam incident has sharply intensified hostilities. Despite this, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to assisting its citizens and confirmed that the Wagah border remains operational.
