Lahore: Despite the closure of the Wagah/Attari border due to heightened Indo-Pak tensions, the process of repatriating citizens from both sides continues under humanitarian considerations.

On Saturday, 81 Pakistani nationals returned home from India, while 342 Indian citizens crossed into their homeland. Among them were 18 members of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) broadcasting team, who were sent back to India on special instructions from the Pakistani government, reflecting a gesture of professional courtesy despite strained diplomatic ties.

However, the ongoing restrictions have caused emotional distress for families separated by borders. Muhammad Arshad, a resident of Karachi, returned with a heavy heart after being denied permission to attend his niece’s wedding in India. He had traveled to Saharanpur on a valid visa to offer condolences for family losses and to join the wedding celebrations, but was ordered by Indian police to leave the country immediately.

“I pleaded with them to let me stay just one more day for the wedding, but they said they had orders from above. We had no choice but to return,” he said with tears in his eyes.

In another heart-wrenching case, Samina Bano, an Indian woman married in Pakistan, remains stranded at the Attari border with her four-year-old son. While her child holds a Pakistani passport and is allowed to return, Samina is being barred from rejoining her husband due to her Indian citizenship. “I just came to see my parents. Now I want to go home to my husband. But they won’t let me cross,” she said.

The Pakistani government has directed all Indian nationals to exit the country, although the ban does not apply to those holding multiple-entry visas—typically issued to Indians married in Pakistan and awaiting citizenship. In parallel, India has also enforced exit deadlines, requiring Pakistani citizens on SAARC visas to leave by April 26, and those on medical visas by April 29. Long-term visa holders and diplomatic staff remain exempt.

The cross-border crisis has particularly impacted women with cross-national marriages. Those who traveled for family visits are now stuck in limbo, unable to return to their spouses and children.

As human stories unfold at the Wagah border, the gates of diplomacy remain heavy with silence, while eyes full of hope wait for reunion. In response to increased border activity, Pakistani customs and immigration officials will remain on duty through the weekend to facilitate smooth and transparent movement.