The Wagah-Attari border was shut on Wednesday after a deadline for the return of citizens and long-term visa holders living in India and Pakistan came to an end, amid rising tensions between the two countries.
Sources revealed that many citizens from both sides remain stuck across the border. Authorities have not yet issued a clear plan for these individuals, but two possible paths are being discussed: either extending the repatriation timeline or beginning the process of deportation.
Last week, India announced a series of measures after accusing Pakistan of involvement in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. However, no concrete proof has been shared to support the allegation.
Among the steps India has taken are the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a downgrade in diplomatic relations, closure of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, revocation of visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and the sealing of the Wagah-Attari border.
In the past week, 891 Pakistanis including 58 diplomats, their families, and support staff, returned home from India. Meanwhile, 1,687 Indian citizens, including 29 diplomats and officials, made their way back to India.
Within this timeframe, eight Indians holding valid Pakistani visas entered Pakistan, while 373 Pakistanis with long-term Indian visas crossed into India.
On Wednesday alone, 110 Pakistanis, including three diplomatic staff, returned home, and 222 people, among them four Indian diplomats, crossed over to India.
Looking at specific days, 94 Pakistani nationals, 10 of whom were diplomats, returned on April 29. On April 28, 145 came back, including 36 diplomats and their families. On April 27, 237 returned, followed by 81 on April 26, 191 on April 25, and 28 on April 24.
On April 30, 222 people went from Pakistan to India. Before that, India saw the return of 469 of its citizens, including 11 diplomats, on April 29. On April 28, 146 returned, followed by 116 on April 27, 342, including 13 diplomats, on April 26, 287 on April 25, and 105 on April 24.
With the repatriation window now closed, the border has officially been sealed. Yet, the future remains unclear for those still waiting to return to their home country.