(Reported By Vimal Kaushik)
After the government decided to close the integrated Check Post Attari with immediate effect, an atmosphere of panic has gripped people who recently crossed border. The Indian government on Wednesday, announced a series of measures against Pakistan, following a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting. The closure of Integrated Check Post Attari with immediate effect was among the key decisions taken. People who have crossed over with valid endorsements have been directed to return through that route before 1 May 2025.
Why Did She Reach Pakistan High Commission?
One such woman gripped by panic is Sana, a resident of Pakistan, who arrived at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, with her children on Thursday. Sana, originally a resident of India, was married to a doctor residing in Karachi, Pakistan. She stated that she wants to send her children back which is why she came here to inquire about it. But the visa office was closed, so she went inside from another gate.
Sana further told that she had come here (India) 10 days ago and had a visa for 45 days. However, due to the ongoing situation at the border and closure of Attari check post, she rushed to High Commission for update on visa. She added that her husband is a doctor and had dropped her at the border. From there, Sana came alone and entered India via the Attari border.
Sana stated that she doesn’t have complete information on what happened in Pahalgam. She said, “I only came to know that there has been an attack here and the border will be closed. There is 48 hours-time for this.”
“My children are Pakistani, so we will have to go back. That is why we came for a visa. We had taken a 45-day visa, but it has been only 10 days. My children are Pakistani, they have to go back,” added Sana.
CCS Meeting:
Other than this, it is important to note that India has cancelled visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. The MEA stated, “Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and others.
Also Read: Tensions Rise: Pakistan Plans Missile Test Off Karachi After Pahalgam Attack
