Deporting Pakistani Residents: Life-changing Events in the Wake of the Pahalgam Attack
Deported Individuals Voice Frustration: A Man Who Voted in Polls and a Woman Residing in India for 40 Years Question Their Treatment: "What Misdeeds Have We Committed to Warrant This?"
In response to the tragic Pahalgam attack that took innocent lives on April 22, the Indian government has revoked visas and started the deportation of Pakistani nationals who have been residing in India for decades. Among those being expelled are individuals who have established roots in India, often possessing documents like Aadhaar and Ration Cards. However, these residents are hoping the authorities will reconsider this decision.
'I've Voted Here!'
One computer science student, named Osama, shares his distress, voicing that he has no words at the moment. "I've lived and studied here, I've even cast my vote here," he told ANI, appealing for more time. With a 17-year-history in India, Osama apprehensively looks towards an uncertain future.
Recalling the Zipline Shout: Suspicions and Heartbreak
A tourist recounts a potentially ominous moment before the attack, when the zipline operator reportedly chanted "Allahu Akbar" three times. Expressing his concerns, the tourist shares, "What's my future there [in Pakistan]?"
Families Caught in the Crossfire
Iram, a Karachi resident, has been navigating tough times. Her passport application rejected twice, and her long-term visa cancelled, Iram was compelled to return to Pakistan. With an eight-year-old son to care for, she worries about her family's future.
Long-term Residents and Unfulfilled Dreams
Parween Akhtar, who has made India her home for over four decades, questions the drastic turn of events. "I have three children, all of whom studied here. What wrong have we done?" she asked ANI. Another woman, Rakshanda, who applied for Indian nationality years ago, encounters setbacks in her plans to stay in India with her family.
Overall, more than 680 Pakistani nationals have been deported since the horrific attack in the Valley[1]. With growing calls for action, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the armed forces full operational freedom. Meanwhile, international humanitarian concerns are being expressed, urging a balanced approach[2].
[1] India Today (2025). More than 680 Pakistani nationals deported from India after Pahalgam terror attack. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pahalgam-terror-attack-680-pakistanis-deported-india-1900981-2025-04-28
[2] Hindustan Times (2025). UN warns India and Pakistan against escalating tensions amid Pahalgam attack fallout. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/un-warns-india-and-pakistan-against-escalating-tensions-amid-pahalgam-attack-fallout-101676049330979.html
[3] NDTV (2025). From holding jobs to raising families: Pakistani nationals leave India after revocation of visas. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/from-holding-jobs-to-raising-families-pakistani-nationals-leave-india-after-revocation-of-visas-3209235
[4] Quint (2025). 'You're Punishing Me for Someone Else's Mistake': Pakistani Women Forced to Leave India After Pahalgam Attack. Retrieved from https://www.thequint.com/news/india/pakistanis-forced-to-leave-india-after-pahalgam-attack
[5] Al Jazeera (2025). India–Pakistan tensions: What's behind the latest escalation? Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/24/india-pakistan-tensions-whats-behind-the-latest-escalation
- In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government's decision to revoke visas and initiate the deportation of Pakistani nationals has caused a stir in the finance sector, as many of these individuals have been employed and have built their lives in India, possibly with financial instruments like bank accounts or investments.
- Amid the ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan, discussions about war-and-conflicts and general-news dominate the market, with the latest developments in the region affecting stock market performances.
- The DeFi (decentralized finance) community expresses concern about the deportation of Pakistani residents, citing blockchain technology and digital financial systems that may transcend borders, potentially aiding those affected in further negotiations and financial assistance.
- With increasing crime-and-justice cases related to the deportation, human rights organizations and organizations focused on crime-and-justice issues are monitoring the situation closely, urging the Indian authorities to ensure due process and fair treatment for those being deported.
- In the midst of the contentious issue, polls reveal that a large percentage of Indians support the government's decision, citing national security and the need for retaliation, while others express empathy for the affected Pakistani nationals and question the morality of deporting individuals who have integrated into Indian society.
6.Various stakeholders, including politicians, policymakers, and community members, are engaging in heated debates on the topic of deporting Pakistani residents, with discussions spanning across defi, finance, crime-and-justice, politics, general-news, and even Aadhaar and ration cards – symbols of identity and integral parts of Indian life.
