Heartwarming Reunion: Stranded Pakistanis Express Gratitude to Indian Government at Attari-Wagah Border

Attari: Pakistani nationals stranded at the Attari-Wagah border finally received some good news this Thursday. The Border Security Force (BSF) opened the gate, allowing people with valid Pakistani passports to enter Pakistan. However, those with a NORI (No Obligation to Return to India) visa were still not allowed to cross, leaving many families disheartened, especially women married in Pakistan but holding Indian passports.

Raees Ahmed, who traveled from Uttar Pradesh, shared his frustration. His sister, married to a man in Karachi, has been separated from her two-year-old daughter. “We’ve been at the border for two days. Just days ago, people could cross with the same visa,” he lamented.

A Pakistani Hindu citizen, visiting Haridwar to immerse his relatives’ ashes, expressed relief. “We are thankful to the Indian government. Sixteen of us came, and today we can finally return to Pakistan,” he said, highlighting the mixed emotions at the border.

Another family, relieved after their own two-day wait, stated, “We’re going home and feel very grateful.” Yet, many others remain stuck due to incomplete paperwork, adding to the tension and uncertainty at this border crossing.

According to a recent report by the International Organization for Migration, there has been a noticeable increase in border crossings since late 2022, highlighting the ongoing complex relationship between India and Pakistan. The need for clearer policies in such situations is more pressing than ever, as families face heart-wrenching separations.

While some individuals manage to cross under varying circumstances, the rules remain inconsistent. It’s vital for both governments to streamline the process and address the needs of families caught in between.

For more details, you can read on how Pakistan plans to allow stranded citizens in India to return via the Wagah border after visa changes here.

Source link

ATTARI WAGAH BORDER, STRANDED PAKISTANIS, THANK INDIAN GOVT, ALLOWED TO CROSS BORDER, PAKISTANIS THANK INDIAN GOVT, 'WE’RE GOING HOME': STRANDED PAKISTANIS THANK INDIAN GOVT AT ATTARI-WAGAH BORDER