Chandigarh, April 27 — As of April 27, 537 Pakistani nationals, including nine diplomats, have crossed into Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border in the wake of India’s revocation of 12 categories of short-term visas.
The mass exodus began on April 24 and continued until the expiration of the exit deadline, officials confirmed.
“From April 24 to 27, 537 Pakistani nationals left India, including 237 on April 27 alone,” said Arun Mahal, protocol officer at the Attari border.
“During the same period, 850 Indians, including 14 diplomats, returned from Pakistan.”
The deadline for Pakistani nationals with short-term visas, including those for business, tourism, and medical purposes, expired on April 26, prompting the government’s decision to enforce the departure order.
“We ensured all Pakistani nationals with short-term visas left India by the deadline,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated.
“Efforts are underway to ensure full compliance.”
The Indian government’s order followed the tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22, where 26 individuals, including tourists, were killed by Pakistan-linked militants.
In response, India cancelled visas for Pakistani nationals across multiple categories, including tourist, student, business, and medical visas. Pakistani diplomats and military advisors were also asked to leave India.
Of those leaving India, many expressed mixed emotions as they crossed the border. Sarita, who had traveled to India with her family for a wedding, shared her sorrow.
“We came to India after nine years, but now the authorities are telling us they won’t allow my mother, an Indian citizen, to stay with us,” she said, fighting back tears.
The move has escalated tensions between the two nations. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, following the Pahalgam attack, called state leaders to ensure the swift departure of all Pakistani nationals.
“We cannot allow any Pakistani national to overstay their visas,” Shah said.
Across India, regional authorities confirmed the departure of hundreds of Pakistani nationals. In Maharashtra, 1,000 short-term visa holders were issued exit orders, while officials in Telangana and Kerala confirmed the departure of Pakistani nationals.
Meanwhile, the states of Bihar, Odisha, Goa, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh reported a total of 300 departures, with most nationals leaving prior to the April 27 deadline.
India’s decision to expel Pakistani nationals has drawn condemnation from Islamabad, which responded with similar actions, leading to further deterioration in bilateral relations.
Despite these tensions, India continues to enforce its visa revocation measures, with strict adherence to the set deadlines for all categories of affected nationals.
