Mumbai: After the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed all states to ensure that no Pakistani nationals remain in India beyond the Central government’s deadline of April 27.
The Centre had earlier announced the cancellation of all 18 types of visas issued to Pakistani citizens, requiring them to leave the country within the set time frame or face legal action. Those undergoing medical treatment have been given an extension until April 29 to exit the country.
Following these instructions, the Maharashtra Home Department began compiling data on Pakistani nationals living in the state. According to Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam, around 5,023 Pakistani nationals have been identified in Maharashtra.
Nagpur city has the highest number, with 2,458 Pakistani nationals found, followed by Thane city with 1,106. In Mumbai, 14 Pakistani nationals are currently residing. Of the total, only 55 have valid documents, while some have reportedly gone missing.
Minister Yogesh Kadam said that authorities are trying to locate Pakistani nationals whose visas have expired. Many are either untraceable or have not responded to contact attempts. The collection of data is still ongoing, and the figures may change, Kadam added.
As many as 55 Pakistani nationals living in Maharashtra on short-term visas have been sent notice to leave the country by the Central government’s deadline of April 27, an official from the state home department said on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday that police stations across the state have been directed to ensure that Pakistani nationals whose visas have been cancelled do not remain in the country. “A complete list of Pakistani nationals present in the state has been prepared, and we are closely monitoring them,” Fadnavis said.
