The crossing of 537 Pakistani nationals underscores the impact of strained relations on cross-border movement and potential economic exchanges.
Key Takeaways:
i) According to Indian media reports, 537 Pakistani nationals, including diplomats, returned to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border following the expiration of India’s short-term visa deadline.
ii) The deadline was imposed by Indian authorities following a terror attack in Kashmir, leading to increased tensions.
iii) The situation underscores the complex interplay between political events, security concerns, and the movement of people across borders, potentially impacting informal trade and economic exchange.
Money Matters Monitoring – Hundreds of Pakistani nationals have returned home through the Attari-Wagah border crossing in recent days, following the expiration of India’s deadline for short-term visa holders, according to various Indian media outlets. The move comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries, sparked by a recent terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Indian media indicates that a total of 537 Pakistani citizens, including nine diplomats and officials, crossed the border into Pakistan over a four-day period that began on April 24th. This follows a directive issued by Indian authorities requiring individuals holding specific short-term visas to leave the country, a detail widely covered by the Indian press.
The Indian government’s decision to impose the deadline, followed the tragic deaths of 26 people in Kashmir.
Pakistani officials have not yet released a statement regarding the situation. An Indian Protocol Officer at the Attari border reportedly confirmed to Indian news outlets that 537 Pakistani nationals had returned home between April 24 and 27.
