‘Lived in India for 41 years, what future do I have there?’: Attari border turns into site of shattered hopes for Pakistani nationals

NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 men the Indian government decided to sever all diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including the revocation of visas for all Pakistani nationals currently residing in India.
As a result, 786 Pakistani nationals have departed India via the Attari border within six days, starting from April 24, according to a senior official.
One Pakistani national, Osama, shared his situation, stating that he was pursuing a bachelor's degree and had planned to attend job interviews. He expressed his distress, mentioning that he had been living in India for 17 years, had cast his vote here, and held a ration card. Osama urged the government to allow more time for Pakistani nationals, highlighting his uncertainty about his future in Pakistan.

"I am currently studying for my bachelor's degree and was hoping to attend job interviews after my exams. I've lived here for the past 17 years. I kindly ask the government to give us more time. I have voted here and have a ration card. What happened in Pahalgam was wrong, and I condemn the attack. It's a shameful act. I've completed my Class 10 and 12 education here—what will I do in Pakistan? What future do I have there?" he said.

Another Pakistani citizen, who was returning through the Attari border, shared an emotional account, saying she had to leave her four daughters behind. She mentioned that she had been living in India for 41 years and felt as though she and her family were being penalized for the Pahalgam attack. "I am leaving my young daughters behind. We are being punished for the attack in Kashmir. I have been living here for 41 years, but I have no family left—no mother, father, brother, or sister. I have nowhere to go. We request the government to stop what is happening to us," she said.

"I am from Muzaffarabad and I got married in Baramulla 6 years ago. Both my kids were born here. We were staying here legally through a long-term Visa. We have been filing our application for the last 3 years, but it has never been accepted. The day before yesterday, we were suddenly asked to leave the country. What happened in Pahalgam was a terrorist activity. Innocents have lost their lives in the attack. The terrorists should be punished...Why are we suffering because of this? We want to go back to our home, " said another.
The Pahalgam terror attack, one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, left a lasting impact on both India and Pakistan.