Maharashtra has identified approximately 5,000 Pakistani nationals residing within the state, of which 1,000 are on short-term visas.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, on Saturday, reiterated that Pakistani nationals who overstay following the expiration or revocation of their visas will face strict legal action.
The crackdown follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, most of whom were tourists.
Fadnavis made the statement during an event in Pune after visiting the families of two victims of the Pahalgam attack. According to officials, around 5,000 Pakistani nationals have been identified in the state, with 1,000 of them being short-term visa holders who are now set to be deported.
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam elaborated further, stating that there could be around 4,000 long-term visa holders within the state. "According to my estimate, there could be 4,000 long-term visas, including approximately 1,000 SAARC visas issued to those who have come to Maharashtra for purposes such as film work, medical treatment, journalism, and personal matters," Kadam was quoted as saying by news agency.
This development follows the Union government’s directive that all visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be revoked from 27 April. However, medical visas will remain valid until 29 April.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also contacted the chief ministers of all states, instructing them to identify Pakistani nationals staying in their territories, with a view to facilitating their deportation.
"We have sought a list of Pakistani nationals who have entered India. They are currently being identified, and police officials have been instructed to ensure that no Pakistani national remains in Maharashtra for more than 48 hours after their visa expiry. Action will be taken against those who overstay," Fadnavis was quoted as saying by news agency on Friday.
Fadnavis visits families of Pahalgam terror victims
On Saturday afternoon, Devendra Fadnavis visited the residence of Kaustubh Ganbote in Kondhwa, Pune. Ganbote's wife, Sangita, who survived the terror attack, met with the Deputy Chief Minister.
Fadnavis also visited the home of Santosh Jagdale in Karvenagar, where he met Jagdale’s daughter, Asavari, and wife, Pratibha, offering his condolences and support.
Union Minister JP Nadda is also scheduled to visit the families of the victims in Pune today to pay his respects.
Jagdale and Ganbote were among the 26 civilians who tragically lost their lives during the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April.
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