193 Pakistani nationals allowed to travel back

New Delhi: As many as 193 Pakistan nationals, including Hindus, stranded in India have been granted clearance to travel back to their country through the Attari-Wagah border on May 5, officials said. According to the list accessed by ET, most of these Pak nationals used two types of vehicles for their journey –– small cars which carried at least four people, including the driver, and larger-sized vehicles which carried 8-9 passengers. However, the recent national directives issued by the home ministry permits travel of only two persons, besides the driver.

Pakistan nationals in West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, among others, had travelled by road to Amritsar from where they were likely to cross to Wagah, an official confirmed. Last month, the government had extended the visas of all foreigners staying in India till May 3 as rail, air and road travel were suspended due to the lockdown.

In a letter to the DGs of various states, the Centre said: “It is requested that all returning Pakistan nationals may be screened as per international norms and existing provisions of the Government of India and only asymptomatic individuals be allowed to return. Drivers, along with vehicles, may be allowed to return to the starting point or place of residence, after dropping them at Attari.” Officials said a large number of Pakistan Hindus had come to India for business and marriage purposes but got stuck due to the lockdown.