PUNJAB: The departure of Pakistani citizens from India through the Attari Border saw a significant rise on Tuesday, coinciding with the last day of validity for medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals as per the Union Government's decision in wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam.

Several Pakistani nationals returning to Pakistan shared their concerns and appealed to the Indian government for reconsideration of the decision, particularly in cases involving families and long-term residents.

Meanwhile, the validity of short-term visas for Pakistani nationals had already expired on Sunday, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.

A Pakistani national at the Attari Border, stated that she got married in India after coming here in September with a 45-day visa, but now she has to leave the country as she hasn't been issued her long-term visa.

"I came here in September with a 45-day visa. After that, I got married here. I have not got my long-term visa yet, and now suddenly I have been asked to leave the country. The terrorists should be questioned. What is our fault? Why are we being punished? The people who have relatives in the country should be allowed to stay," She said.

The terror attack, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans.