Wagah silently pays for idiomatic chill

Trade, pilgrimages tourism hit by bilateral conflict

LAHORE:

The only functional land crossing between Pakistan and India, Wagah Border, remained closed or partially operational amid bilateral tensions during the past year, severely affecting travel, trade, pilgrimages and people-to-people contacts.

Daily flag-lowering ceremonies continued early in the year. However, in April, a major security incident in Pulwama triggered a sharp escalation, leading to suspension of visa facilities, restricted diplomatic contacts and closure of the Wagah-Atari border.

In response, Pakistan tightened its visa policy for Indian citizens and suspended movement through the Wagah Border. By the end of April, the crossing was effectively closed. Tensions further escalated in May when India launched missile strikes on various areas in Pakistan.

Short but intense military clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbours ensued from May 7 to 10. Pakistan termed the strikes an act of open aggression and carried out effective defensive operations.

Throughout 2025, no formal dialogue process between the two countries took place. Decisions on visas, trade, and border management remained stalled, affecting Wagah Border operations.

The Kartarpur Corridor also remained closed during the year.

The border closures disrupted tourism, family visits, weddings, and cultural exchanges. Tourist arrivals, which had been steady in the first quarter, dropped to zero after the May clashes. Overall, 2025 saw an approximately 80 per cent decline in visitors at Wagah compared to previous years. While Independence Day parades were held on both sides in August, attendance remained limited.

Pilgrimages were also affected. On January 5, 102 Pakistani pilgrims visited India to attend the Urs of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti. On April 12, India issued visas to 188 Pakistani pilgrims for the Urs of Amir Khusro.

Pakistan issued visas to 6,700 Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi celebrations in April and later received 2,100 Indian pilgrims for the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in November.

Limited prisoner exchanges and return of convicts continued on humanitarian grounds.