By The Sampadak Express
In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, a total of 272 Pakistani nationals have departed India through the Attari-Wagah border over the past two days. Officials expect several hundred more to exit the country by Sunday, April 27, which marks the deadline for Pakistani citizens holding 12 categories of short-term visas to leave India.
The departure directive followed a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 people dead. Indian authorities linked the attack to Pakistan-based groups and subsequently ordered all Pakistani nationals on short-term visas to leave the country.
As per the order, holders of visas including tourist, business, student, journalist, and pilgrim categories must exit India by Sunday. Those on SAARC visas faced an earlier deadline of April 26, while individuals on medical visas have until April 29 to leave. Diplomats, officials, and holders of long-term visas are exempt from the directive.
According to official data, 191 Pakistani nationals exited through Attari on April 25, followed by 81 more on April 26. Additionally, 629 Indians, including 13 diplomats, returned to India from Pakistan via the same border in the past two days.
Authorities noted that some Pakistani nationals may have exited India through airports, typically via third countries due to the absence of direct flights between the two nations.
Maharashtra had the highest concentration of short-term Pakistani visa holders, with around 1,000 individuals instructed to leave. Minister Yogesh Kadam confirmed the state is complying with the central order. In total, around 5,050 Pakistani nationals reside in Maharashtra, most of whom are on long-term visas. These include significant populations in Nagpur, Thane, and Jalgaon.
Worryingly, officials reported 107 Pakistani nationals in Maharashtra are currently untraceable.
In Telangana, 208 Pakistanis were identified, with most in Hyderabad. Of these, 13 are on short-term visas. Kerala had five short-term visa holders, all of whom have now left, while 99 remain on long-term permits. Madhya Pradesh had around 228 Pakistani visitors, many of whom have already departed.
Odisha identified 12 Pakistani nationals and issued them exit directives. Goa officials confirmed three Pakistani citizens in the state have been asked to leave.Gujarat hosted seven short-term visa holders—most of whom have now exited—and 438 long-term visa holders, including many Hindu migrants seeking Indian citizenship.
In Uttar Pradesh, police reported that all Pakistani nationals instructed to leave have complied, except for one individual scheduled to depart on April 30.
The directive comes following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s communication with state chief ministers, instructing them to enforce the order strictly. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also held a video conference with state officials to monitor the implementation.
Relations between India and Pakistan have further deteriorated since the Pahalgam attack, with both countries announcing retaliatory measures, including visa cancellations and diplomatic restrictions.
