LAHORE:
Despite ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, the Wagah-Attari border has been temporarily reopened for two days to facilitate citizens holding Long-Term Visas (LTV) and No Objection Return to India (NORI) visas.
Security sources confirmed that the move aims to assist individuals residing across both countries who were facing difficulties returning due to the recent border closure.
On Monday, 129 Pakistani passport holders possessing NORI visas crossed into India via the Wagah Border.
However, no Indian citizens holding Pakistani long-term visas arrived in Pakistan, according to sources.
The arrival of Indian nationals with Pakistani long-term visas is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Diplomatic officials explained that Pakistan grants long-term visas to Indian citizens, particularly women, who have married Pakistani nationals and settled permanently in Pakistan but have not yet acquired Pakistani citizenship.
These individuals, when travelling to India to meet family or attend events, do not require a new visa to return to Pakistan.
Conversely, India issues long-term visas alongside a NORI certificate to Pakistani nationals residing in India or married there.
The arrangement allows them to visit Pakistan and return to India without needing a fresh visa.
Following the recent escalation in tensions, both countries had closed the Wagah-Attari border, creating challenges for long-term and NORI visa holders who were stranded during visits to their home countries.
While both governments had cancelled visas issued for business, tourism, and medical purposes, allowing those affected a brief window to return home, the permissions did not initially extend to long-term visa holders.
As a result, many Pakistani and Indian nationals were left stranded on either side of the border for the past four days, awaiting clearance to cross.
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