Families caught in the crossfire after Indian Government asks Pakistani nationals to leave the country

Indian and Pakistani families near Wagah-Attari border face separation as visa restrictions force them to choose sides.

As the Indian Government revokes Pakistani visas and directs Pakistani nationals to return before April 27, families with Indian and Pakistani members caught in the cross roads, urge the Government to consider their difficult situation.

Standing near the Wagah-Attari Border, in Punjab, where confusion and panic seems to be in the air, Bajida Khan, an Indian national from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, married to a Pakistani family says that she crossed the border in February and entered India to visit her family.

Despite plans of staying for a longer period, Ms. Khan, an Indian national with her two minor sons with Pakistani passports, reached the Wagah-Attari border on Friday (April 25, 2025) to cross over, following the Indian Government’s directive that entails that Pakistani nationals leave the country by April 27.

However, on reaching the border, Ms. Khan learnt that while her sons can cross the border holding Pakistani passports, she with an Indian passport can no longer cross over. While Ms. Khan, being an Indian national, can not cross the border, her sons can no longer reside in India. “A mother needs to be with her son, I would urge the Government to let me cross with my children,” says Ms. Khan.

Carrying her 5-year-old in her arms Rasheeda Khan, who too is married to a Pakistani nationals, reached the border to cross and leave for her in-laws house in Pakistan. However, on holding an Indian passport, she was not allowed to cross. “I came to Punjab to visit my parents but now due to the attack, we want to cross over but only my son, holding a Pakistani passport can, since I hold an Indian passport, I’m not allowed,” she added.

Another distraught woman, told reporters present near the border that she has been residing in Pakistan for the past 20 years and is yet to receive citizenship there. Accompanied by her two teenage daughters, she requested the government to let her cross over with her two daughters. “I have my marriage certificates, my husband’s death certificate and proof of application of citizenship in Pakistan, I urge the Indian Government to let me cross over,” she said.

Meanwhile, four women, with families in Bulandshahr U.P. were sent back by the Indian Government to Pakistan.