UP Deports Almost All Pakistani Nationals on Short-Term Visas Following MHA Directive After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a swift response to heightened security concerns following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Uttar Pradesh government has deported nearly all Pakistani nationals who were residing in the state on short-term visas, senior officials confirmed.

Acting on directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Uttar Pradesh Police, in coordination with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Lucknow, initiated a thorough verification process to identify Pakistani nationals currently present in the state on short-duration visas issued under various categories.

According to officials, of the 50 Pakistani nationals identified during the process, 49 have already been deported.

Only one individual remains, who, officials said, is scheduled to return to Pakistan on April 30, after completing the formalities associated with their visa expiration and travel arrangements.

“There were 50 Pakistani nationals on short-term visas at the time of verification. Except for one person, who has been given time until the end of the month to depart, all others have been successfully sent back to their home country,” an official involved in the operation confirmed.

It was further clarified that while these measures have been taken for those on short-term visas, nearly 1,000 Pakistani nationals who are residing in Uttar Pradesh on long-term visas (LTVs) have not been affected by the current wave of deportations.

No fresh instructions regarding the status of long-term visa holders have been issued by the MHA so far, officials emphasized.

The 49 deported individuals were residing in several districts across Uttar Pradesh, including key urban centers like Lucknow, the state capital, and Noida, a major commercial hub near Delhi.

Sources revealed that many of these Pakistani nationals were visiting close family members, including siblings and other relatives, and were staying temporarily for social or familial purposes.

Importantly, none of the individuals identified were found to have entered India on medical visas, suggesting that their presence was largely for personal visits rather than medical treatment or other specialized purposes, officials noted.

During the verification and deportation exercise, some logistical challenges were encountered. In one notable case, a Pakistani woman visiting her maternal family home in Bareilly district had misplaced her passport.

To facilitate her return, the district administration quickly intervened, issuing her an emergency certificate, thus enabling her to complete the travel formalities and depart without undue delay.

Once the identification of all individuals was complete, the respective District Police Chiefs were informed. They, in turn, issued official notices to the Pakistani nationals residing within their jurisdictions, instructing them to arrange for their departure.

Interestingly, the deportation process was carried out in a relatively low-key manner, with no government personnel, including police officers, assigned to escort the departing individuals to the Indo-Pakistan border. Officials stated that each individual made their private travel arrangements for their return.

Meanwhile, in light of the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent security concerns, Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar has issued a series of advisories to all senior police officials across Uttar Pradesh.

These directives call for heightened vigilance at all public and sensitive locations, underscoring the need to closely monitor activities that could potentially threaten public order.

The DGP particularly stressed the importance of monitoring social media platforms, warning that certain anti-social or mischievous elements might attempt to exploit the tense atmosphere by spreading rumors, misinformation, or inflammatory content to disturb communal harmony and create unrest.

Police officers have been instructed to maintain strict surveillance and take proactive measures to counter any potential threats emanating from both online and offline sources.

Special attention is being given to ensuring that law and order are maintained during this sensitive period.

The Uttar Pradesh government’s prompt action to identify, verify, and deport foreign nationals on short-term visas is being seen as part of broader efforts to bolster internal security and ensure that the state remains vigilant against any potential threats in the aftermath of the recent terror attack.,