Following the expiry of India’s exit deadline for Pakistani nationals with short-term visas, 537 Pakistani citizens, including nine diplomats and officials, left India between April 24 and April 27. This mass departure comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 people—mainly tourists—were killed by terrorists linked to Pakistan.
During the same period, 850 Indians, including 14 diplomats and officials, returned from Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border, highlighting the rising strain in bilateral ties.
According to government sources, 237 Pakistanis, including nine officials, exited on April 27 alone. Earlier, 81 left on April 26, 191 on April 25, and 28 on April 24. Meanwhile, Indians returning included 116 on April 27, 342 on April 26, 287 on April 25, and 105 on April 24.
Visa Revocations and Exit Orders
The Indian government issued a “Leave India” order targeting Pakistani citizens holding 12 categories of short-term visas—including business, film, journalist, student, and pilgrim visas. The deadline for SAARC visa holders was April 26, while those on medical visas have until April 29 to leave the country.
Diplomatic Expulsions
In a parallel move, India declared three Defence, Naval, and Air Advisers from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata on April 23, giving them a week to leave. Five support staff members were also expelled, while India simultaneously recalled its own defence attaché from Islamabad. Long-term visa holders and official visa holders among Pakistani diplomats were not affected by the “Leave India” directive.
Scenes at Attari Border
The Attari border saw emotional scenes as Pakistani nationals hurriedly crossed over. Vehicles lined up at the border, and many Indian families came to bid farewell to relatives. One woman, Sarita, broke down after authorities prevented her Indian mother from crossing into Pakistan with her, despite her family arriving after a nine-year gap.
State-wise Implementation
State governments moved swiftly to enforce the order:
Maharashtra confirmed that all Pakistani nationals were accounted for and deportation processes were underway for those affected.
Bihar reported full compliance before the deadline.
Telangana stated that 208 Pakistani nationals were in the state, with only 13 on short-term visas—all of whom left.
Kerala had 104 Pakistani nationals, mostly on long-term visas; the five short-term visa holders had already departed.
Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, and Gujarat also confirmed departures of Pakistani nationals with short-term visas.
Centre’s Direct Oversight
Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally contacted Chief Ministers to ensure compliance, while Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan conducted a video conference with state chief secretaries to monitor the progress.
Diplomatic Fallout
The crackdown follows a dramatic escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries engaging in retaliatory measures since the Pahalgam attack. Diplomatic ties continue to deteriorate as both sides harden their positions.
