At least 193 stranded Pakistanis in India to be repatriated through Wagah

Pakistani nationals will be repatriated on May 5, say sources

LAHORE: The Indian Home Ministry on Saturday granted special permission for the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis in the country.

Much like the rest of the world, India has also placed a strict lockdown in the country. Inter-district and state travel has also been banned. However, the country's Home Ministry allowed 193 stranded Pakistanis to travel to the Wagah border.

According to sources, the Pakistani nationals will reach border crossing from different cities in India and will enter Pakistan on May 5.

The purpose of their visit pertained to visiting family, medical treatment and attending religious ceremonies.

Earlier this month, around 41 Pakistanis returned home via the Wagah border in the first phase.

41 Pakistanis stuck in India repatriated via Wagah border

The returnees thanked both the Indian and Pakistani governments for ensuring their return to their home country.

Ehsan Ahmed, a repatriated citizen, shared that he had gone to India on March 12 and was expected to return by March 19. However, he couldn’t return due to the lockdown.

“I will appeal to all the Pakistanis stranded in India to remain confined to their homes and virtually remain in contact with the Pakistan High Commission. The Pakistan embassy is making efforts for the return of all Pakistanis,” he said.

Amtal Basit also thanked both the governments for her safe return and appealed to others stranded in India to follow the government’s directives and remain confined to their homes.

Many of the returnees were reportedly quarantined in various cities and screened at Attari before being allowed to cross the Wagah border.