‘Why Are We Being Punished?’: Pakistani Nationals Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack But Lament Forced Exit from India

In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, emotions ran high at the Attari-Wagah border as several Pakistani nationals were compelled to leave India. Though the departing citizens vehemently condemned the act of terrorism, they questioned why they were being made to suffer for something they neither supported nor were involved in.

The Indian government, in a stern response to Pakistan following the attack, directed all Pakistani nationals residing in India to return to their country. Over the past six days, officials confirmed that 887 Pakistani citizens have crossed over to the other side of the border through the Attari-Wagah checkpoint.

One woman from Karachi, who had been living in India for 41 years, expressed her heartbreak. “A terrorist attack took place in Kashmir, but why are we being punished?” she asked, visibly emotional. “I’ve lived here for decades. This is not justice. We don’t support terrorism. Those responsible should be hanged or have their legs broken. But what’s happening to us is unfair,” she told ANI.

Nasreen, another Pakistani citizen who spent 15 years in India, said her family had worked hard to build a life here. “Now we’re being asked to leave and start all over again. Our children are asking us why. What do we tell them?” she asked, her voice choked with emotion.

Mufzala, originally from Muzaffarabad and now married in Baramulla, said both her children were born in India. “We’ve been applying for permanent stay for three years with no response. Then suddenly, we’re told to leave. We condemn the terror attack, but why are families like ours suffering because of it?” she said.

Osama, a young student who completed his 10th and 12th grades in India and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree, shared similar anguish. “I had dreams of sitting for job interviews here. But now I don’t know what future awaits me back in Pakistan,” he said.

While the Centre’s move reflects its strong stance against terrorism, the stories of those caught in the crossfire reveal a human cost that has left many confused, hurt, and desperate.