Crackdown on Pakistani Nationals in India After Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Indian government has responded to the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack by taking strong action against Pakistani nationals residing in India. In the wake of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 27 innocent Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, the government has cancelled all short-term visas issued to Pakistanis. A nationwide crackdown has followed, led by intelligence agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and local intelligence units (LIUs), aiming to locate and deport Pakistani nationals living in various parts of the country.

All Pakistani nationals, except persecuted Hindus who have LTVs, are being deported following deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack (image: Dall-E)

Untraceable Pakistani Nationals from 2007 Cricket Visit

A disturbing revelation has emerged regarding 28 Pakistani nationals who arrived in India in 2007 to watch a cricket match in Kanpur. While 32 individuals entered India on Exempted from Police Reporting (EPR) visas, 28 have been missing for the past 18 years. The EPR visa allowed them to travel across districts without notifying the police, enabling many to disappear. While four individuals were deported, the remaining 28 are still untraceable, making it a challenge for authorities to locate them.

IB Shares List of 5,000 Pakistani Nationals with Delhi Police

In Delhi, the situation has escalated with the IB providing the Delhi Police with a list of 5,000 Pakistani nationals. These individuals are under investigation, and verification processes have begun across various districts. The highest concentrations of Pakistani nationals are found in areas like Majnu Ka Tila and near the Signature Bridge. Authorities are working to confirm whether these individuals have already left the country or if they remain illegally within India’s borders.

Visa Cancellations and Exemptions for Pakistani Hindus

In a noteworthy exception, the Indian government has allowed persecuted Pakistani Hindus, who are living in India under Long Term Visas (LTVs), to stay in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that only those with diplomatic, official, and medical visas, along with other short-term visas, are subject to cancellation. In Kanpur, approximately 50 Pakistani citizens hold LTVs, and authorities are keeping a close watch on their status.

Intensified Search for Pakistani Nationals in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has intensified its search for Pakistani nationals living under various visa categories. As part of a national initiative, 250 Pakistani nationals have been identified for deportation, but a significant concern remains the untraceability of 107 individuals. Some of these have gone underground, while others are living in the state illegally. Major cities like Nagpur, Thane, and Pune are seeing active investigations and verifications of Pakistani residents, with several individuals still missing.

Efforts in South India to Identify Pakistani Nationals

The crackdown has also extended to South India, where over 600 Pakistani nationals have been ordered to leave the country. In states like Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, authorities are actively verifying the status of Pakistani nationals. While some individuals hold medical visas or LTVs, others are residing without proper documentation, adding to the urgency of the verification process.

Conclusion: Heightened Vigilance Amid National Security Concerns

The Indian government’s efforts to track, trace, and deport Pakistani nationals residing illegally or overstaying their visas underscore the nation’s heightened security concerns following the Pahalgam attack. While Pakistani Hindus on LTVs are exempt from deportation, the government is resolute in its determination to prevent any potential security threats. The ongoing crackdown serves as a reminder of the need for vigilant monitoring and stringent enforcement of immigration policies to safeguard national security.

(With inputs from OpIndia)