Despite deadline lapse, over 40 Pakistani nationals reach Attari border for return

Although the official deadline for Pakistani nationals to return from India lapsed on Wednesday, more than 40 individuals, including men, women and children, arrived at the Attari border today from various states across the country for deportation to Pakistan. The gates of the Integrated Check Post (ICP), however, remained shut till afternoon. No Pakistani citizen was allowed to cross over, nor did any Indian national return from the other side. Many Pakistani nationals had come from distant regions, including Jammu, accompanied by the local police. While most individuals appeared reluctant to speak about their return to Pakistan, only a few opened up emotionally about their circumstances.

Murawat Hussain Shah from Rajouri came with his cousins Saida Zameer Fatima and Saida Saheer Fatima, both of whom are being deported to Pakistan. Hussain stated that his cousins had arrived in India in 1983 on valid visas after the death of their father and brother, who were their only caretakers back in Pakistan. “These sisters have no home or family left in Pakistan. Everything they have is here in India, they don’t want to leave,” he said, expressing concern over their forced return.

Another heart-rending case is that of a woman from Karachi, whose child holds an Indian passport while she carries a Pakistani one. With tears in her eyes, she said, “Either allow me to stay here with my child or let my four-year-old son accompany me to Pakistan.”

Among those at the border are also around 16 Pakistani Hindu nationals, who had come to Haridwar for post-death rituals of their elders. Their taxi broke down, causing them to miss the deadline. They now hope the authorities will allow them to return today.

Amritsar