PSL broadcasting crew members from India refused entry into homeland
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LAHORE: While all foreign cricketers and officials barring all-rounder Moeen Ali of England, who were part of the incomplete 5th HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), have left back for their respective countries, the 29 Indian officials of the broadcasters team covering the event were denied entry by the Indian immigration authorities at the Attari check-post.
They all are currently stranded there after crossing through Wagah Border on Wednesday. The PSL was postponed on Tuesday by the Pakistan Cricket Board in the backdrop of the growing coronavirus threat.
Read: PSL postponed after foreign player shows symptoms of coronavirus
All the foreign cricketers as well as match and broadcasters’ officials, after clearing their coronavirus test arranged by the PCB, went back to their countries while Moeen will travel on Thursday. However, the Indian-origin broadcasting officials could not reach their homes because of an objection raised by their own immigration staff at the Attari border.
A PCB spokesman told Dawn that the 29 Indian crew members, who were working for the broadcasters of the PSL, had decided to go through Wagah Border in an attempt to reach their country as soon as possible as their government has also announced to keep all the travellers coming from other countries into isolation from March 18.
Though the Pakistani immigration authorities allowed them to go through Wagah, giving a definite relaxation as their visas were only permitting them to travel by air and not on foot, the Indian authorities denied them any such relaxation.
“The Indian officials will come back to Pakistan on Thursday as they have multiple visas and then their air travelling plan would be chalked out again for them to go back to their country,” the spokesman said.
It may be mentioned here that around 134 foreigners including cricketers, match officials and broadcasting staff appeared for the coronavirus tests in the last two days, soon after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to postpone the PSL on Tuesday.
Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2020
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Comments (122) Closed
Mar 19, 2020 10:15am
Why giving this a political angle. Their visa allows them to travel via air in the first place and moreover if the travel by air they will be properly quarantined
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Mar 19, 2020 10:22am
If they aren't allowed to enter via wagah they should use approved mode of movement.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:44am
This is ridiculous. How can any country refuse its citizens from returning to their own country? Indians appear to have a phobia of Pakistan.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:44am
Why did they travel to Pakistan ???
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Mar 19, 2020 10:48am
Rules are rules. Period.
Culture of relaxing rules for privileged leads to chaos.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:53am
That is playing politics...where is humanitarianism!
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Mar 19, 2020 10:56am
Pakistan doesn’t have domestic production crew?
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Mar 19, 2020 11:12am
To My Dear Indian Friends,
The Pakistani visa given to these Indians broadcasters crew restricts them to air travel. As a humanitarian gesture... Pakistan is allowing them to return back to their home country INDIA via road or fly. It’s YOUR Indian govt. restricting entry of an Indian citizen... Indian citizen have every right to enter its own country via any official entry point...You enter in India on Indian passport not per visa restrictions. It feels like Indian is treating its citizens inhumanely and not allowing entry into their own country.
Think about it because you say Pakistan is politicizing this unfortunate treatment of Indian citizens by Indian government.
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Mar 19, 2020 11:23am
They have visa to travel by air not by foot through wagah border. Authorities are doing their job.
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Mar 19, 2020 11:25am
Pay the price of traveling to pakistan! Suits you!!
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Mar 19, 2020 11:28am
Protective measures !
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Mar 19, 2020 11:28am
Well Done India
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Mar 19, 2020 11:29am
So Pakistan brings broadcasting crew from India ! So much for cutting ties !
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Mar 19, 2020 11:30am
They shouldn't be allowed entry without proper checking.
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Mar 19, 2020 11:30am
@Patriot, my dear Patriot, their Visas cleared stated they need to travel by Air, why then are they taking Land route. Quarantine facility is not there at Wagah, better go back to Pak and come via Dubai, wherein they will be in quarantine for 14 days.
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Mar 19, 2020 11:48am
@KoKarachi, the way I understand the article the Indian Government wants these people to enter India via air because the airports are better equipped to deal with covid 19 better than the officials at Wagah border. What is so inhuman about this condition?
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Mar 19, 2020 11:55am
But they were taking people from China and were saying that they are setting examples for us. Now look at them
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Mar 19, 2020 11:58am
World would not have seen such an example where citizens of a country have to rely on visa regulations which they acquire to travel to another country
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Mar 19, 2020 12:00pm
they should be allowed in but kept in confinement for the required period,build facility near by and allow them in.
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Mar 19, 2020 12:01pm
@KoKarachi, I agree!
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Mar 19, 2020 12:02pm
@Sameer Shinde, how are they privileged? They are broadcasting workers not multi millionaires! In times where western governments are being flexible to help their citizens India is doing the opposite.
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Mar 19, 2020 12:11pm
Crazy ! Does the Indian government think the virus (if they have it) will also need a visa to cross !!!
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Mar 19, 2020 12:16pm
@Sunny, to earn money.
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Mar 19, 2020 12:16pm
Rules are rules. Maybe the border doesn't have quarantine arrangements. Why can't they fly back the same mode their went it ?
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Mar 19, 2020 12:34pm
@Patriot, whatever they need to follow the country’s protocol.
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Mar 19, 2020 12:43pm
This is highly unprofessionalism from Pakistani authorities to allow them to exit from land border when visa don't allow. I don't know why our officials and nation tries to become hero.
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Mar 19, 2020 12:43pm
@Junaid, hello they have an Indian passport and should be allowed to entry their country by air or by foot.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:01pm
Everyone has to follow the rules. No exemptions. Wagah border doesn't have quarantine facilities neither the staff trained to handle such cases. All Indian airports are well equipped now to handle foreign returnees and follow the due process. So, it makes imminent sense for them to come by air.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:01pm
Shame on India for being petty at the expense of their own citizens .....shame.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:03pm
Good move by India.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:11pm
@Patriot, isn’t the feeling mutual?
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Mar 19, 2020 01:14pm
all quarantined facilities are liken to airports, fly into india gothru proper checks
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Mar 19, 2020 01:16pm
@bsg1972, citizens returning to their own country do not need visa. The protocol under the current situation is to follow the rules in order to contain the virus!
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Mar 19, 2020 01:29pm
@@Who cares, Looks absolutely correct.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:39pm
Shameful to say the least
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Mar 19, 2020 01:42pm
@KoKarachi, read the article again
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Mar 19, 2020 01:44pm
This would mean India has no quarantine facilities at Wagah border for its citizens. Simple. Despicable India!
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Mar 19, 2020 01:48pm
They should n't be allowed without any proper checking. I am not sure why politics are brought in here. Yes, they are Indian citizens. But that doesn't mean they can carry virus (everyone is a suspect of carrying virus these days) and infect other people.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:57pm
@Patriot, only happen in India
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Mar 19, 2020 02:26pm
@Parvez, Pakistani citizens are still stranded in wuhan seekin help to return since 2 months.
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Mar 19, 2020 02:39pm
@KoKarachi, you should know the rules issued by the Indian Govt. India has closed all the boarders due to Covid 19. They should come via Air, get tested (like any other passengers) also its compulsary to quartine themselves for 14 days. This is as per govt. rules, considering safety of community transfer. You people should not interfere in our local laws.
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Mar 19, 2020 03:08pm
Seems some people never learn any lesson and have bring in politics into everything. This ignorance and casual attitude (with pilgrims returning from Iran) has landed Pakistan is the mess it finds itself today. India has sealed all land borders including Wagah since 15th March and there is no screening and quarantine facility there. These people have been advised to return via airports precisely for that reason.
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Mar 19, 2020 03:11pm
Petty India
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Mar 19, 2020 03:24pm
one the first hand, i am failed to understand that on what ground Pakistani immigration authorities allowed this relaxation. there are some gestures of goodwill but in the official world such gestures are counter productive, as it happened here. and then there are relations between the nations which deserve such relaxation. had it been the case of Chinese, or Saudi , Turkish nationals such gesture of good will was understandable but with indian nationals every thing must be according to books and according to protocols
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Mar 19, 2020 03:30pm
@@Who cares, Why not allow them to enter their own country? Why create a fuss and delay the family reunion? The travel mode restriction is for the country they are travelling to, not when they are returning home.
For once come out of your Pakistan hating mind set, at least in wake of this epidemic, at least for the sake of your own people.
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Mar 19, 2020 03:32pm
In fact they are already arrived in India and quarantined In late night along with 14 others
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Mar 19, 2020 03:36pm
In fact they are all arrived in India late night alongwith 14 others.
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Mar 19, 2020 03:37pm
@Patriot, we know d status of healthcare in Pakistan. We don't want to take any risk.. Got it??
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Mar 19, 2020 03:41pm
Let's be the good hosts that we are and take care of them for as long as they're here.
Everyone knows RSS racist tactics.
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Mar 19, 2020 03:54pm
You cannot just send them back by foot because it's cheap. Come on Pakistan buy them airplane tickets and send them back properly.
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Mar 19, 2020 04:22pm
They’re being punished for going to Pakistan
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Mar 19, 2020 04:40pm
@KoKarachi, My Dear Pakistani
Amidst China virus problem india is only allowing air travel as all passengers go through quarantine. Letting in through Vagha poses more problem. so please keep politics aside and let India follow its rules.
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Mar 19, 2020 04:51pm
Kindly check ur facts.. they are back in India and presently are in a quarantine facility..don't compare ur medical facility with that of India..it is nowhere close to it.
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Mar 19, 2020 05:16pm
@Rohit Sen, opening ceremony was event managed by an Indian lady. Google that
And they want Kashmir
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Mar 19, 2020 05:18pm
@Patriot, absolutely right on phobia
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Mar 19, 2020 05:21pm
Don't Pakistan have capability to broadcast the cricket matches? Sad state
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Mar 19, 2020 05:25pm
@Hameed, Yes, There is no match between the human right violations in India and Pakistan. India has lost all kinds of credibility in the world.
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Mar 19, 2020 05:40pm
So much hoopla on this. Wagah won't have covid 19 checking facility hence air travel.
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Mar 19, 2020 05:59pm
@KoKarachi, It is not just because they are returning from pakistan but entire commercial air lines are shut entering in to India for 1 week.Dont give a wrong impression and play politics.
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Mar 19, 2020 06:13pm
@Jag -India, Pakistan do have domestic production houses but Indian companies pay far too much money to broadcast Pakistani matches as they see more business sense in that.
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Mar 19, 2020 06:15pm
This is a way of Modi administration putting pressure on these broadcasters not to participate in PSL events in future. It is fascist agenda against cricket in South Asia.
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Mar 19, 2020 06:16pm
@ Rashmi, Wagah is "Not" approved way of entering India? Get a life.
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Mar 19, 2020 06:26pm
Many Pakistani are blaming Indian govt but that big mistake was done by Pakistan at Taftan Iran border where they were allowed to enter their own piligrams from Iran and at that point no checking was done by Pakistani health officials. This was big mistake that India couldn't afford. So wait is the best policy. In India decisions are taken on mental basis not on emotional background like Pakistan does
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Mar 19, 2020 06:58pm
If you want to go to Pakistan you should only be allowed a 1 way ticket
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Mar 19, 2020 07:12pm
People of Pakistan.....relax, this is all on account of the times we are in, India has put in place a quarantine system / covid testing system at all international airports, which does not exist at Wagah...so in interest of the wider population and community these guys need to come through the right channel (and if needed will be quarantined)
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Mar 19, 2020 07:13pm
@Patriot, READ AGAIN. They were refused land entry as no facilities exists. Air entry is fine.
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Mar 19, 2020 07:14pm
Heading given is improper. Very irresponsible.
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Mar 19, 2020 07:18pm
@Maverick, Seems to be classic case of less understanding the situation. Read again and then read some other readers. Will understand the reality. Being judgmental is not good for health of misreading Pakistanis.
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Mar 19, 2020 07:36pm
@Patriot, The way you refuse to bring back your student from China.
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Mar 19, 2020 07:43pm
What a sorry state India is since the arrival of saffron.
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Mar 19, 2020 07:43pm
Let's take care of them. After our customary hospitality, they will be our ambassadors in India.
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Mar 19, 2020 07:56pm
@Waseem Sarwar, they are paying more to PCB but coming back to India on road. Really?
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Mar 19, 2020 08:06pm
Not surprising..... its Modi's India.
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Mar 19, 2020 08:22pm
They are punishing them to participate in the PSL that all Period. NO if's, but's,can's and why's.
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Mar 19, 2020 08:48pm
Everyone entering India is being quarantined
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Mar 19, 2020 08:58pm
@JackJones, Normal times that would be ok. Thee are not normal times. No Quarantine facilities at Wagamama border.
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Mar 19, 2020 09:16pm
@Rohit Sen, we do but Indians are better in creating drama.
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Mar 19, 2020 09:29pm
" properly quarantined " is questionable, certain countries don't have the equipment for that. On top of that we are not exactly the best of friends, are we?
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Mar 19, 2020 09:49pm
@KoKarachi, very correct explanation. Its their passport and not the visa that matters. But if Wagah has no quarantine facilities, that may make a difference?
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Mar 19, 2020 09:50pm
Have they taken permission from government of India for providing services to PSL?
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Mar 19, 2020 09:53pm
@KoKarachi, You don't enter any country on Passport, you need VISA on passport to enter. The restrictions on VISA (Which is Pakistani - Put those restrictions in place. There is No Humanitarian Gesture involved here because if it was Humanatarian Gesture the PSL would have been cancelled LONG AGO where the WORLD stopped playing around 5th of March - PSL continued till couple of days ago.
Lahore also has Airport the could have boarded from there to reach India Faster. Road Travel exposes them to MORE people when social quarantine is place. Where as Flight reduces exposure
Nice try... Giving it a positive spin.
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Mar 19, 2020 09:58pm
@raj kumar,
You don’t understand. The border post does not have the proper facility to house and quarantine, nor has the testing facilities. Safety of the rest of the population is more important than convincing few.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:05pm
@KoKarachi, Seems you have more knowledge on visa and travel formalities, seems you hav worked in Indian foreign Office.... Please keep in mind a law is law which has to be followed.. No matter he is a PSL player or a technician... If they fly back they will be quarantined
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Mar 19, 2020 10:08pm
PSL couldn't be conducted without Indian help. Period.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:09pm
@JackJones, no. They need to follow the rules. Wagah is not equipped with tools to test corona virus.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:16pm
@Waseem Sarwar, Production houses get paid to do the broadcasting. they do not pay to the cricket board. These people are employed by your board.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:16pm
@Sindhu, what credibility you are talking ?
Your records are never been in the book
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Mar 19, 2020 10:17pm
@KoKarachi,
Buddy no politisation.
As a safety precaution, some timeline to return back was there for the safety of all.
They didn't follow that.
Can't take unnecessary risk. Every country, every citizen has to be responsible and sensible.
There are measures taken and they are being enforced. Can't be diluted for a few who were more interested in making money.
Extra ordinary times,
Extraordinary measures.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:18pm
@Yasir AZim Los Angles, no dear , world is battling with China virus need to follow procedures. No politics please
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Mar 19, 2020 10:18pm
@@Who cares, given the unfortunate circumstances, this would have been the safest way of return instead of exposing them to possible COVID 19 carriers at airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or/Sharjah. Times like these, better sense have to prevail.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:18pm
@Pakhandi, Paying PCB to do broadcasting? does this make sense? These people are employed by PCB to do the broadcasting.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:19pm
@T-man, what drama ?
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Mar 19, 2020 10:27pm
Hitler " Modi" is punishing his own citizens for going to Pakistan.
This is the differences between civilized sportsmen and uncivilized leader (Modi).
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Mar 19, 2020 11:17pm
@Lil Talks, Aren't flights banned.
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Mar 20, 2020 12:19am
Most Indians commenting here either lack compassion for their countrymen or they are totally illiterate who have never traveled overseas. For their education, this is how international travel works:
In most cases, including Pakistan, you need a visa to enter. The host country can place restriction (read Pakistan here) on where you can go and even on mode of transportation (air travel in this case). The traveler can enter their home country (India, in this case) from any border post available for travelers (Attari, in this case) using any mode of transportation ( on foot, in this case). Denying your own countrymen entry into your country? Only in India.
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Mar 20, 2020 01:05am
India is suffering from the rising Pakistan syndrome.
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Mar 20, 2020 01:11am
Worry about the students stuck in wuhan
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Mar 20, 2020 02:22am
@Junaid, Buddy they are Indian citizens.You cannot be denied entry to go in to your own country!!! As an Indian with an Indian Passport you cannot be denied entry.
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Mar 20, 2020 02:27am
@KoKarachi,
The coronavirus is a serious issue. India has stopped entry of everyone including NRIs, OCIs etc. Indians coming back from overseas are allowed to enter - but from airports where proper quarantine facilities and mechanisms to implement these are in place. Why do these 29 people want to enter through backdoor from Wagah - where enough facilities to quarantine may not be there. They are treated like any other Indian wanting to enter India.
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Mar 20, 2020 02:35am
Ironically, they are strangers to their own country.
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Mar 20, 2020 02:49am
@M. Siddique,
In current scenario (covid-19), Wagah is NOT approved for people to enter India.
Compulsory quarantine procedure is in place which they have to undergo when they enter India via international airports. Better to be safe than sorry.
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Mar 20, 2020 03:24am
When pakistan government shut down trade and business link with india then why PCB hired Indians for broadcasting the event.....aren't pakistanis qualified for this job?
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Mar 20, 2020 04:58am
@Jag -India, That is the billion dollar question.
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Mar 20, 2020 05:06am
India is very strict about Corina virus testing the will not allow even their citizen to enter through routs where there no proper testing facility. They have closed all their land boarders.
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Mar 20, 2020 05:15am
@Patriot, What Pakistan did in past to bring their student from China ?
Same Way Indian Official ask them to enter through AIR Lines !!!! Nothing wrong.!!!
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Mar 20, 2020 05:20am
@KoKarachi, Pakistan did not get back its students from Wuhan.. and you are lecturing here
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Mar 20, 2020 05:22am
@Maverick, I pity your level of understanding
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Mar 20, 2020 05:25am
@RationalBabu , it’s not about not letting them. It’s about proper checking and quarantine as 500+ cases are reported in Pakistan. Nations are sealing their borders to control this pandemic
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Mar 20, 2020 06:50am
take your people india, you were lecturing us only a few days ago
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Mar 20, 2020 06:52am
@Tahir, abhinandan also came through air but went on foot
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Mar 20, 2020 07:18am
They were permitted to fly by air not enter India on foot. So, what is the complication?
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Mar 20, 2020 07:34am
@Patriot, Pakistan left their citizens stranded in Wuhan, and most Pakistanis thought its great idea?
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Mar 20, 2020 07:54am
@Patriot, brilliant, ask Pakistani government how they have refused their subjects to come back home by any n all mode if trasportation?
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Mar 20, 2020 03:20pm
Why is this even a issue ... Wagah does not have adequate facility so they were turned back ... The more pressing issue would be why Pakistan has double the cases of infection than India ...
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Mar 20, 2020 03:48pm
Do the Indians entering from the Nepali or Bangladesh borders receive the same treatment? Indian trolls here only mock and scorn nothing to ease tension and cooperation.
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Mar 20, 2020 04:26pm
@KoKarachi, Why are Pakistani students stuck in Wuhan then ? Are they any less Pakistani than you ?
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Mar 20, 2020 04:29pm
@KoKarachi, How many Pakistanis have managed to enter Pakistan in this corona virus environment even with valid passport? Who has abandoned students in foreign land? Who is asking for virus test certificate before letting its own citizens in? Look within before preaching. Pakistan has closed Wagah border and India has also closed Wagah border. Period.
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Mar 20, 2020 05:43pm
@Adnan, yes true in normal conditions but not during pandemic situations like this. You control the borders and allow people to come through the places where you have facilities to through checks. If you keep all the borders open, you can't control the situation and it will get out of hand pretty fast. You think you are very smart don't you? look beyond hate!
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Mar 20, 2020 07:11pm
@Amin S Arab, India is taking care of its citizens hence this action. They need to come into India through proper ways
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Mar 20, 2020 07:12pm
@Amin S Arab, but was there any pandemic other than Pakistan?
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Mar 20, 2020 07:13pm
Just for Pakistanis, even the Nepal border is closed too
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Mar 20, 2020 11:22pm
@Patriot, India doesn't neglect it's citizens.
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