Tears and Heartbreak at Attari Border as Families Part Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

• Apr 28, 2025

Emotional scenes unfolded at the Attari border on Sunday as families were forced to part ways, uncertain when they would meet again amid worsening India-Pakistan relations. Tears flowed and final embraces lingered, with many unsure of what the future holds.

Sunday marked the last day for Pakistani nationals with short-term visas across 12 categories to leave India, as mandated by the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Holders of medical visas have until April 29 to exit.

Among those affected was Indian citizen Priya Kanwer, who broke down in tears as her daughter Sarita and son-in-law—both Pakistani nationals—departed for Pakistan. Priya, who married a Pakistani citizen in 1991, was denied permission to accompany her family, while her husband and children, holding Pakistani passports, were allowed to cross the border. The anguish of separation was evident, with children crying as they were pulled away from their mothers' arms.

Many families, particularly from Rajasthan, traveled to Attari to bid farewell to relatives visiting from Pakistan.
“Only reopening the border can bring our families back together,” lamented Gurbaksh Singh, a Pakistani national from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who was distressed over the abrupt separation from his Indian relatives and the disruption of trade ties. Singh expressed his frustration, blaming the actions of terrorists who attacked tourists in Pahalgam for the hardship now endured by innocent civilians.

Under the new immigration law, Pakistani nationals overstaying their visas are now subject to legal action. While medical visa holders were granted a short extension, those on business, tourist, student, pilgrim, and other short-term visas were required to leave by April 27. The 12 categories include visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim, and group pilgrim visas.

Adding to the chaos, hundreds of vehicles jammed the Attari border as Indian families arrived to see off their departing relatives. Among the stranded was Elham Destani, an Iranian solo traveler caught in the turmoil. Having arrived in India on a 90-day tourist visa on February 10, she now faced uncertainty as she tried to navigate her exit. A long-time resident of India for her master's and PhD studies, Elham called India her second home and now waited anxiously for her turn to cross, unsure of what her future held.

Since the government’s directive following the tragic Pahalgam massacre, 1,387 people—850 Indians and 537 Pakistanis—have crossed the Attari border.