LAHORE – April 28, 2025:
Amid rising regional tensions, 536 Pakistani citizens have returned from India over the past three days through the Wagah Border, while 849 Indian nationals have crossed back into India, according to official sources.
The repatriation comes as India’s deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave the country has officially expired. Families on both sides of the border remain in uncertainty, clinging to hope of returning to their homes.
In a move that signals growing military preparedness, Indian authorities have ordered farmers in the border districts of Punjab — including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, and Fazilka — to harvest their crops and vacate fields near the zero line within 48 hours. The instructions were issued via public announcements by India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
Defense analysts interpret these measures as signs of heightened war hysteria under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “This level of urgency in civilian instructions clearly points to escalating tensions and possible military mobilization,” one analyst noted.
On Sunday alone, 236 Pakistanis arrived back home from India, while 115 Indian nationals departed from Pakistan. The cross-border movement is part of ongoing repatriation efforts following the suspension of regular travel and growing hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
India, however, clarified that long-term visas issued to Pakistani Hindu citizens will remain valid, even as broader restrictions take effect.
Meanwhile, public attendance at the daily flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah-Attari border has also been suspended for security reasons.
The closure of both Wagah and Attari border crossings highlights the deteriorating diplomatic ties, with each side accusing the other of escalating the situation.
