ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Friday that the Wagha border crossing will remain open for Pakistanis returning from India.
Following the attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 which claimed the lives of 26 people, India has taken a series of extraordinary measures against Pakistan. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Wagah-Attari border, the withdrawal of visas for Pakistanis and the severing of diplomatic relations.
In response, Pakistan also announced several measures, including the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India — including the Simla Agreement.
Responding to media queries about the availability of the Wagha border crossing for Pakistani citizens returning from India, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The Indian decision to revoke visas of Pakistani citizens is creating serious humanitarian challenges. Many patients, with fragile health, had to return to Pakistan without completing their treatment. Furthermore, there are reports of families being split and children being separated from one of their parents.”
The spokesperson said, “The last date to cross the Wagah-Attari border was April 30, 2025. In that context, we are aware of the media reports indicating that some Pakistani nationals are stranded at Attari. We are open to receiving our citizens in case the Indian authorities allow them to cross the border from their side. The Wagha border will remain open for Pakistani citizens in the future as well.”
Following the increased tensions after the Pahalgam attack and the severance of trade ties between Pakistan and India, both countries are expected to suffer economic losses.
However, it is important to note that bilateral trade between the two countries was already minimal, largely due to ongoing tensions.
Trade relations were limited, with only a few products being exchanged.