Sunday, July 13, 2025
ADVT 
India

Busy day at Attari border as Indians, Pakistanis return home

Darpan News Desk IANS, 24 Apr, 2025 11:30 AM
  • Busy day at Attari border as Indians, Pakistanis return home

Attari, April 24 (IANS) The Attari border in Punjab’s Amritsar district on Thursday witnessed hectic activity with travellers from both India and Pakistan returning to their respective countries after New Delhi announced travel curbs in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.

While most Indians returning from Pakistan expressed happiness on the safe conclusion of their trips, there were others – both Indians and Pakistanis – who said they were forced to abruptly change their plans for spending time with relatives living across the border.

Talking to IANS, a man from Dera Bassi who returned to India on Thursday afternoon, said, “Last night, I came to know about the Indian government’s tough measures and instructions to citizens to return. So, I packed my bags and did that this morning.”

The Punjab resident said he had gone to Pakistan on a month’s visa to meet his relatives, but had to come back in 20 days due to diplomatic measures.

Amreek Kaur, another Indian returning from Pakistan, said she had a fruitful visit to Dera Baba Nanak. “Our trip ended, so we came back,” she said, adding that she did not experience any hatred or tension during her visit.

Pakistani national Sajid Khan also reached the Attari border on the way back to Pakistan. “I was in Ahmedabad for the past 10-12 days to meet relatives. Now, I will cross the border today or tomorrow,” he said, pointing to the diplomatic row.

Nisar Ahmed, an Indian national from Gujarat, said he was shocked when people in Amritsar told him that he could not go to Karachi to attend his niece’s wedding on April 28.

“I am yet to meet officials, but the buzz about travel curbs is indicating that I cannot go to Pakistan despite a valid 30-day visa. I shall return home if I am not allowed to go to Karachi,” he said, adding that he has no opinion on the issue once the government has taken a decision.

Tuesday’s Pahalgam terror attack, believed to be orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front, left 26 tourists dead and many others injured.

Escalating the diplomatic standoff, India announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a vital land route between the two nations. Pakistani nationals currently in India with valid travel documents were directed to return home via the ICP by May 1, 2025. After the end of this deadline, all overland travel between the countries will be suspended indefinitely.

MORE India ARTICLES

Punjab constitutes appellate authority for cancelled industrial plots

Punjab constitutes appellate authority for cancelled industrial plots
Chandigarh, April 24 (IANS) In a step aimed at facilitating industrialists, the Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Thursday gave its consent to constitute an appellate authority for cancelled plots of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC).

Punjab constitutes appellate authority for cancelled industrial plots

AAP Punjab holds statewide candle marches for Pahalgam victims

AAP Punjab holds statewide candle marches for Pahalgam victims
Chandigarh, April 24 (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in Punjab on Thursday held statewide candle marches and temple visits to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir.

AAP Punjab holds statewide candle marches for Pahalgam victims

US Vice Prez JD Vance cancels Jaipur City Palace visit amid security concerns

US Vice Prez JD Vance cancels Jaipur City Palace visit amid security concerns
Jaipur, April 23 (IANS) US Vice President JD Vance who is on a four-day visit to India (April 21-24) accompanied by his family has cancelled his scheduled visit to the City Palace here. While the itinerary included a visit to Jaipur's City Palace on Wednesday, the visit has now been cancelled.

US Vice Prez JD Vance cancels Jaipur City Palace visit amid security concerns

Countries and organisations unite in condemning ghastly Pahalgam terror attack

Countries and organisations unite in condemning ghastly Pahalgam terror attack
New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Several Muslim nations and organisations continue to condemn and reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Countries and organisations unite in condemning ghastly Pahalgam terror attack

Kashmir erupts in protests against Pahalgam killings, tourism likely to be hit

Kashmir erupts in protests against Pahalgam killings, tourism likely to be hit
Srinagar, April 23 (IANS) In a strong display of unity and collective grief, Kashmir Valley on Wednesday erupted in protests against the Pahalgam killings.

Kashmir erupts in protests against Pahalgam killings, tourism likely to be hit

India vows to bring Pahalgam terror attack perpetrators to justice, announces five big steps to punish Pakistan

India vows to bring Pahalgam terror attack perpetrators to justice, announces five big steps to punish Pakistan
New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Asserting that it will be unrelenting in its pursuit of those who commit acts of terror, India on Wednesday said that the perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors "held to account" while also announcing several measures against Pakistan which continues to sponsor terror in the Kashmir Valley.

India vows to bring Pahalgam terror attack perpetrators to justice, announces five big steps to punish Pakistan

PrevNext