Mumbai: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has issued a directive for all Pakistani nationals residing in the country to return to their homeland. In line with this order, various states have begun taking action, including Maharashtra.
State Minister Yogesh Kadam revealed that approximately 5,000 Pakistani nationals are currently residing in Maharashtra, of which around 1,000 are on short-term visas. These individuals have been advised to leave the country in accordance with central government instructions.
“Based on our estimates, nearly 4,000 Pakistani nationals are in the state on long-term visas, and an additional 1,000 have arrived under SAARC visas,” Kadam stated. He added that many among them are in India for purposes such as film production, medical treatment, journalism, and personal matters.
Some Pakistani nationals have been residing in India for 8 to 10 years, the minister said. While a few have married Indian citizens, others have surrendered their Pakistani passports and have applied for Indian citizenship.
Minister Kadam further clarified, “We have instructed those on short-term visas to leave the country by April 27. However, those who arrived for medical reasons have been granted an extension of two more days.”
This comes in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack, which India has attributed to Pakistan-based elements. In response, the Indian government has intensified its stance, directing Pakistani citizens to exit the country and announcing the closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing as part of tightened security measures.