Samjhauta Express: Indian passengers cross Wagah border on foot

After the Delhi-bound Samjhauta Express was cancelled last week upon India’s request, Indian passengers stranded in Pakistan made their way home on Monday by crossing the Wagah-Attari border on foot.

Pakistani officials had last week called back the train from the Wagah border after Indian officials had cited potential security risks due to protests by farmers. The train’s departure has now been pushed back to October 15.

Read: Risks remain: Samjhauta Express to depart on Oct 15

Further, the Pakistan High Commission said on Monday that as many as 35 Pakistanis remain stranded in New Delhi. “Around 14 passengers will be transported to Pakistan on the friendship bus today (Tuesday),” an official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi told The Express Tribune. The bus runs between New Delhi and Lahore.

“We are working with the Indian government on extensions for those passengers whose visas were expiring,” the official added.

Read: Cancelled Samjhauta: 35 Pakistani passengers stranded in New Delhi

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Railways said on Saturday that the Indian railway authorities had once again refused to receive the Samjhauta Express, which was scheduled to depart from Lahore on Monday.

He cited the same reason for the hold-up. “The Indian security agencies seek to avoid any untoward situation arising from the prolonged protest of farmers on the railway tracks.”