GUWAHATI: As many as 509 Pakistani nationals exited India through the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP) between Friday, April 25, and Sunday, April 27, following the expiry deadlines for various visa categories. The exit followed the central government’s move to revoke all valid visas issued to Pakistani citizens, barring diplomatic, official, and long-term visas, after the Pahalgam terror attack probe indicated the involvement of Pakistani terrorists.
ALSO READ: India Objects To BBC’s Coverage Of Pahalgam Terror Attack, Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels
Earlier, the government had announced that SAARC visas would expire on April 26, medical visas on April 29, and all other visas across 13 categories by April 27. Consequently, all Pakistani citizens on these visas were required to depart India within the stipulated deadlines.
It has been further indicated that some Pakistani nationals may have used air routes via third countries to return, given the absence of direct flights between India and Pakistan.
In parallel, a total of 744 Indian nationals returned from Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari land route between April 25 and 27. These returns were part of coordinated measures following the escalation in bilateral tensions.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had last week instructed states and Union territories to identify Pakistani visitors within their jurisdictions and ensure they exited India within the deadlines. Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally contacted chief ministers, while Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a video-conference with state chief secretaries and police chiefs to reinforce the directive.
States and UTs were further advised to take action against those who overstayed, including deportation proceedings and penalties under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
