M.P. begins process to identify and deport Pakistani nationals with revoked visas

Image used for representational purpose only. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

The Madhya Pradesh police have initiated a Statewide exercise to identify Pakistani nationals residing in the State on visas revoked by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and begin the process of their departure by April 27, senior officials confirmed on Saturday (April 26, 2025).

The directive follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, the MHA has ordered that Pakistani citizens currently in India on short-term or now-invalid visas must exit the country within the stipulated deadline.

Pahalgam attack LIVE: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Kashmir; Army responds, says Defence official

Speaking to The Hindu, Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Law and Order, A. Sai Manohar, said that of the 16 visa categories applicable to Pakistani nationals, 14 have been revoked. “As per MHA’s instructions, we have initiated the identification process. Only those holding diplomatic or official visas and long-term visa holders are exempt,” he said.

Mr. Manohar added that Pakistani nationals who had entered India for medical treatment have been granted a brief extension and are now required to leave by April 29.

While the ADG declined to disclose the exact number of Pakistani nationals currently under review, a senior official from the State Home Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, estimated the figure to be close to 235. “Most have already been issued notices to leave, and many have started departing. However, we are re-verifying the records to ensure full compliance with the deadline,” the official said.

District police units have been tasked with reviewing individual visa documents and directly contacting visa holders. “The final count is still being compiled. We are proceeding on a case-by-case basis, checking the authenticity and validity of each visa,” Mr. Manohar noted.