A total of 228 Pakistani nationals residing in Madhya Pradesh must leave India before the April 27 deadline set by the Centre, a senior state government official said on Saturday. The move follows India’s decision to revoke all visas issued to Pakistani citizens, amid heightened tensions between the two countries after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
“As per our records, there were 228 Pakistani nationals in Madhya Pradesh. Our role is to report such individuals to the Centre,” the official said. He added that these individuals are required to leave the country as per the government’s directive, and data on those who have departed is expected by the evening.
Sources said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all state chief ministers to ensure that no Pakistani national remains in the country beyond the set deadline. State governments have been tasked with identifying and ensuring the departure of such individuals from their respective regions.
However, the visa cancellation does not apply to long-term visas granted to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which will remain valid. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked from April 27, except medical visas, which will be valid until April 29. The MEA also emphasized that all Pakistani nationals currently in India must exit the country before their respective visas expire.
With inputs from PTI