New Delhi: According to a senior official, up to 786 Pakistanis have fled India via the Attari-Wagah border crossing in the six days since April 24. According to the official, 1376 Indians had returned from Pakistan across the Attari-Wagah border during that period.

The government issued an announcement on April 24 that Pakistani citizens with medical visas had till April 29 to depart India by April 27. The ‘Leave India’ message did not apply to anyone with diplomatic, official, or long-term visas. Pakistanis with any of the 12 types of short-term visas have till Sunday to apply.

Following the terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, Pakistani nationals were prohibited from staying.

Indian people were forcefully discouraged from visiting Pakistan by the authorities. It is also recommended that Indian people who are now in Pakistan return to India as soon as possible.

Since there isn’t a direct flight to Pakistan, many have departed via Dubai or other routes. Since state police and other central authorities are identifying Pakistani nationals living in different parts of the country, we anticipate that more Pakistanis will go,” the official said.

In close cooperation with central intelligence agencies, a massive verification campaign is being conducted in every state.

According to another official keeping a close eye on the situation, Pakistani nationals who remain in India after April 29 will face harsh punishment and their presence will be deemed unlawful.