In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan. It is in the view of links of Pakistan to the Pahalgam terror attack. The decision was taken in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on Wednesday, April 23.

India announced that it would shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Amritsar, alongside with the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, effective immediately. Moreover, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, until Pakistan verifiably and irreversibly stops supporting cross-border terrorism.

The Attari-Wagah is the border point separating India and Pakistan. Attari is a village in India, whereas Wagah is a village in Pakistan. Located near Amritsar, Attari is located 28 kilometres from Amritsar and is India’s first land port. It is the only permitted land route for trade with Pakistan. Moreover, the route facilitates the imports from Afghanistan.

This is a very famous border crossing as sweets are exchanged between the troops of the both the countries during Eid and Diwali. “Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 1st May 2025,” Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, said on April 23.

Significance Of Attari Border In India-Pak Trade

Attari’s check post has been a critical trade route between India and Pakistan. The route handles various goods, including soybean, chicken feed, vegetables, red chillies, plastic dana, and plastic yarn, are exported to Pakistan through this route.

Meanwhile, items such as dry fruits, dry dates, gypsum, cement, glass, rock salt, and various herbs are imported to India, through this route.

Impact

The Times of India reported that the trade and passenger movement on this route has witnessed significant fluctuations in the last few years. According to the report, the land port recorded trade worth Rs 3,886.53 crore in 2023-24, along with 6,871 cargo movements, and 71,563 passenger crossings.

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has further deteriorated the already-strained India-Pakistan relations.

Pakistan Denies Involvement In Pahalgam Terror Attack

As more and more countries come to pour in their sympathies with India, and condemning the barbaric attack, Pakistan has, denied its involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said to a local TV Channel on Wednesday, “Pakistan has nothing to do with it (Pagalgam terror attack).”