Pahalgam Fallout: 786 Pakistanis Depart via Attari-Wagah Amid Tensions
In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, India’s stringent retaliatory measures have triggered a mass exodus of 786 Pakistani nationals through the Attari-Wagah border.
Mass Exodus Triggered by Terror Attack
The devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, has sparked a significant diplomatic and humanitarian fallout. In response, India revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, leading to the departure of 786 Pakistanis through the Attari-Wagah border by April 30. The attack, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, prompted India to issue a “Leave India” notice, setting deadlines of April 27 for short-term visa holders and April 29 for medical visa holders, intensifying bilateral tensions.
Heartbreaking Scenes at the Border
Emotional farewells marked the Attari-Wagah crossing as families were torn apart. Among them was Iram from Karachi, forced to leave her Indian husband and son, pleading, “Punish the attackers, not us.” Another, Samreen, pregnant and recently married, wept as she faced separation. The Home Ministry’s directive, backed by the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, warned of jail terms or fines for non-compliance. Over 1,300 Indians also returned from Pakistan, reflecting tit-for-tat measures, including Pakistan’s closure of its side of the border.
India’s Diplomatic Crackdown
India’s response to the attack was swift and severe. Beyond visa cancellations, the government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, shut the Attari-Wagah checkpost, and expelled Pakistani diplomats. These measures, decided in a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aim to isolate Pakistan for its alleged support of terrorism. Pakistan, denying involvement, called for a neutral probe, but India’s actions signal a zero-tolerance policy, with Modi vowing to pursue terrorists “to the ends of the earth.”
Human and Regional Impact
The exodus underscores the human cost of geopolitical strife, with mixed-nationality families caught in the crossfire. As ceasefire violations along the Line of Control escalate, the region braces for further instability. The international community, including the UN, urges restraint to prevent a nuclear-armed conflict, while India’s resolve to combat terrorism reshapes cross-border dynamics, leaving lasting scars on both sides.
