GUWAHATI: Several Pakistani nationals departing India have appealed to the Indian government to reconsider its recent decision revoking all categories of visas issued to Pakistani citizens, barring diplomatic, official, and long-term visas.
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The collective appeal has arrived in the wake of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, most of whom were tourists.
Following several developments, an increase in the number of departures was seen at the Attari Border on Tuesday, April 29, coinciding with the expiry of medical visas, the only category temporarily extended until the date. Short-term visas had already expired on April 27.
According to reports, among those leaving was Samreen, a Pakistani woman who arrived in India in September on a 45-day visa and later got married. “I haven’t received my long-term visa, and now I’ve been asked to leave. The terrorists should be questioned, not us. Why are we being punished?” Samreen reportedly said.
Another individual, Ira, reportedly claimed she had been living in India for over a decade after marrying in Delhi. “I held a NORI visa, which lapsed during COVID-19. I understand what happened in Pahalgam was tragic, but we should not suffer for it,” she said.
The Indian government had earlier issued a notification on April 25, revoking all valid visas granted to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect from April 27. Only long-term, diplomatic, and official visas remain valid, while medical visas were permitted till April 29.
