Pahalgam attack: Pakistani nationals begin exit via Attari after Centre’s 48-hour deadline

Following the Centre's 48-hour deadline, numerous Pakistani people began going home on Thursday via the Attari-Wagah land route in Amritsar. The withdrawals occurred just one day after the administration issued the decision, amid rising tensions. In response to Tuesday's devastating terror incident in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, which killed 26 people, the Centre announced a range of tough actions on Wednesday.

These include the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, and the immediate closing of the Attari integrated checkpoint, all asserting cross-border linkages to the attack. On Thursday morning, several Pakistani families arrived at Amritsar's Integrated Check Post (ICP) to travel home via the Attari-Wagah land route.

A family from Karachi revealed that they had traveled to Delhi to see relatives. "We arrived in India on April 15 and are returning home today, despite having a 45-day visa," one of the family members told PTI. When asked about the Pahalgam terror assault, the Pakistani national stated, "Whoever did it is utterly wicked. We seek mutual fraternity and friendship between the two countries." Another Pakistani traveler, Mansoor, told PTI that he landed in India with his family on April 15 on a 90-day visa.