KARACHI, Dec 28: Hundreds of Pakistani and Indian nationals faced the possibility of being stranded over the New Year period after both countries announced bans on flights to each other.

India announced on Thursday the suspension of overflight rights for Pakistani aircraft from New Year’s Day. Pakistan responded by making a similar decision. India announced after the attack on the parliament that train and bus services between the two countries would end on Jan 1.

The high commissions have almost completely stopped issuing visas, while Indians and Pakistanis already in the other country were likely to face difficulties in returning because of the imminent suspension of flights.—dpa