Deadline Ends: Pakistani Nationals Ordered to Leave India

Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Government of India imposed stringent measures against neighboring Pakistan. As part of these actions, Indian authorities issued an order on April 24 directing Pakistani nationals residing in India to leave the country. The deadline for departure was set for April 27. That deadline expired yesterday.

In compliance with the government’s directive, 537 Pakistani nationals, including nine diplomats and officials, returned to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border over a span of four days. Simultaneously, 850 Indian nationals arrived in India from Pakistan. The exit deadline applied to Pakistani citizens holding twelve categories of short-term visas. For those on medical visas, the deadline extends until tomorrow.

The Indian government issued a stern warning that any Pakistani national who fails to exit the country within the specified timeframe would face legal consequences. Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 4, violators are liable to face up to three years in prison, a fine of ₹3 lakh, or both.

Meanwhile, in his latest Mann Ki Baat episode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives. He reiterated that those responsible—whether perpetrators or conspirators—would face severe punishment.

Additionally, in line with instructions from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation of the Pahalgam attack. Since Wednesday, NIA teams have intensified their search for evidence at the site of the terror strike.