SRINAGAR: Pakistani nationals will now be allowed to exit India through the Wagah-Attari border until further notice, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on Thursday, modifying an earlier directive requiring their departure by 30 April.
According to media reports, the revised order comes after a previous ‘Leave India’ notice was issued in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. The attack was attributed to Pakistan-linked terrorists.
In a statement quoted by several media reports, the MHA said, “The order in the said OM has been reviewed and in partial modification of the said OM, it is now ordered that Pakistani nationals may be allowed to exit India to go into Pakistan from Integrated Check Post at Attari till further orders, with due clearances.”
The initial deadlines set by the government required SAARC visa holders to leave by 26 April, while those on medical visas were to depart by 29 April. The earlier directive applied to 12 visa categories, including visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim, and group pilgrim.
The development follows a decision by the MHA on 29 April to expand the list of those exempted from deportation. As per the new guidelines, Pakistani Hindus who have applied for long-term visas (LTVs) and whose applications are under process will not face deportation. Media reports also indicate that Hindu migrants eligible for LTVs but who have not yet applied will be granted an exemption if they apply immediately.
The MHA has also warned that any Pakistani national who fails to comply with the exit requirements could face arrest and prosecution. Punishments include imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh, or both.
