New Delhi: In the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has taken decisive action against Pakistani nationals residing in India. Following the attack at Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, authorities issued a 'Leave India' notice, revoking all existing visas for Pakistani nationals, including medical visas, which are now only valid until April 29, 2025.
The heightened tensions between the two nations have seen a significant number of Pakistani nationals begin to leave India. As of April 27, 2025, approximately 537 Pakistani nationals, including nine diplomats, crossed the Attari-Wagah border back to Pakistan within just four days following the government's order. The exodus of Pakistani citizens comes amid a broader context of strained relations following the Pahalgam terror attack.
According to officials, the Pakistani nationals began leaving India on April 24, with a total of 237 departing on the final day of the exit deadline, Sunday, April 27. This was part of a larger wave of movement across the border, with 850 Indians also returning from Pakistan during the same period.
“The Leave India notice was a necessary step after the tragic loss of lives due to the attack linked to Pakistan,” an official stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The government has mandated that any Pakistani national who fails to leave by the deadline may face severe penalties under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which stipulates a potential three-year jail term or a fine of Rs 3 lakh for overstaying their visa.
The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which came into effect on April 4, outlines strict measures against foreigners who violate visa conditions. It states, “Whoever, (a) being a foreigner, remains in any area in India for a period exceeding the period for which the visa was issued to him... shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with a fine which may extend to three lakh rupees, or with both.”
As the deadline approaches, various states have reported on the status of Pakistani nationals within their jurisdictions. In Maharashtra, state officials confirmed that arrangements were being made to deport around 1,000 Pakistani nationals with short-term visas. Meanwhile, the Bihar government reported that all Pakistani nationals who had visited the state had already left ahead of the deadline.
Reports indicate that 208 Pakistani nationals were residing in Telangana, with a majority holding long-term visas. In Kerala, 104 Pakistani nationals were documented, with most on long-term visas. The situation in Madhya Pradesh reflected similar trends, with many Pakistani nationals having already exited the country.
At the Attari border, the atmosphere was charged as vehicles lined up for the crossing. Many families were seen bidding emotional farewells, highlighting the personal toll of the government's decision. Sarita, a Pakistani national, expressed her heartbreak as she recounted her family's situation. “We came to India after nine years for a wedding, but now they’re saying my mother cannot accompany us back to Pakistan,” she lamented.
On April 23, three defence and military advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared Persona Non Grata and given a week to leave India. Five support staff members were also ordered to exit the country. In a reciprocal move, India has withdrawn its own defence attaché from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been proactive in ensuring compliance with the government's orders. On April 25, he reached out to chief ministers across India, urging them to guarantee that no Pakistani nationals remain in the country beyond the stipulated deadline. This call to action underscores the seriousness of the situation and the government's commitment to national security.
The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has seen a rapid deterioration in relations, particularly following the Pahalgam attack. New Delhi's response, which includes the cancellation of visas and the expulsion of Pakistani officials, has been met with similar retaliatory measures from Islamabad.
As the deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave India looms, the situation remains fluid. The Indian government is closely monitoring the movements of Pakistani citizens while reinforcing its stance on national security. With tensions running high, the hope for a peaceful resolution between the two nations appears increasingly distant.
In conclusion, the recent events have not only highlighted the fragile state of India-Pakistan relations but have also underscored the human impact of political decisions. As families are torn apart and citizens navigate complex immigration policies, the path forward remains uncertain.
