India Kicks Out 250 Pakistani Residents from Uttarakhand in Wake of Pahalgam Attack
Identification of 250 Pakistani Nationals in Uttarakhand Following Revoked Visas After Pahalgam Attack
In a dramatic move after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 innocent lives in shambles, India has canceled visas for all Pakistani citizens and asked them to pack their bags and head back home. According to the Police, around 250 Pakistani nationals are currently living in Uttarakhand and have been identified for their prompt departure.
As tensions escalated in the aftermath of the attack, the Indian government removed all visas issued to Pakistani citizens and advised its citizens not to embark on a journey to Pakistan. The drastic steps were taken as part of punitive diplomatic measures over damaging cross-border links to the Pahalgam tragedy.
Deepam Seth, the Director General of Police, confirmed that the authorities have zeroed in on 250 Pakistani nationals residing in the state. He added that the majority of them belong to minority communities in Pakistan and were granted Long Term Visas (LTVs). The rest are on short-term visas.
According to a senior police officer, out of approximately 250 Pakistani nationals in the state, 3 have short-term visas, with 2 already saying their goodbyes and the remaining 1 instructed to vacate the premises by April 27. The remaining 247 hold LTVs, exempt from revocation, and can stay until their visas expire.
With the revocation of all existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals effective from April 27, 2025, only medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid until April 29, 2025. The authorities have already instructed the district police chiefs to take decisive action to ensure the prompt return of these individuals to their homeland. Failure to comply will result in their deportation under the Foreigners Act, in collaboration with other agencies.
This hardline move comes in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which has intensified tensions and emphasized the need for increased security. Similar measures are being implemented in other states, such as Maharashtra (90 LTV holders in Pune) and Goa (17 LTV holders), highlighting the precautionary efforts taken by the Indian government.
- The Indian government's policy-and-legislation in response to the Pahalgam attack has led to the cancellation of visas for all Pakistani citizens residing in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, as part of punitive diplomatic measures.
- General-news sources report that India requested Pakistanis, identified as numbering around 250, to leave the country following the revocation of their visas, with some already having said their goodbyes.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, those Pakistani nationals in Uttarakhand who have been granted Long Term Visas (LTVs) are exempt from visa revocation but have been asked to leave once their visas expire.
- The Indian government's politics surrounding war-and-conflicts have led to the addition of a visa revocation policy for Pakistani citizens following the tragic Pahalgam attack.
- Despite some Pakistani nationals in states such as Maharashtra (Pune) and Goa also being affected by this visa revocation policy, the authorities in different regions have been taking precautionary efforts to ensure the return of these individuals to Pakistan.
- The continuation of such strict measures in terms of visa revocations highlights the increased importance that India places on national security in light of incidents such as the Pahalgam attack.
