FO refutes false claims on Indian media, says Wagah border open for Pakistanis
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The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Friday rejected claims made by Indian media that the country had closed the Wagah border to Pakistani citizens returning from India, amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
The statement came in response to a Indian media reports alleging that Pakistan had 'refused' to open the Wagah border, leaving several Pakistani nationals stranded in the area between the Attari and Wagah checkpoints.
'Many patients with fragile health had to return to Pakistan without completing their treatment. Furthermore, there are reports of families being split and children being separated from one of their parents,' the Foreign Office said in its statement.
The ministry clarified that the Wagah-Attari border crossing remained operational until April 30, and Pakistan remains willing to receive its citizens as long as Indian authorities permit them to cross.
'The Wagah border will remain open for Pakistani citizens in the future as well,' it added.
Tensions have risen between two countries following a deadly attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people, most of them tourists.
India has hinted at cross-border links to the attack but has not provided evidence. Pakistan has strongly denied involvement and called for an independent investigation.
Following the incident, India revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals and directed them to leave the country by April 29.
Previously, Pakistan's health minister pledged government-funded treatment for two young heart patients who were forced to return from India without medical care due to escalating tensions between the two countries.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal directed the Director General of Health to immediately contact the family of the two girls. He said arrangements were being made to begin their treatment in Pakistan at the government's expense.
Kamal also confirmed that he had reached out to the Prime Minister's Office and that the health ministry had started coordinating with various hospitals. The girls may be referred to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC), he added.
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