In a sweeping move following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian tourists, the Indian government has cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and initiated a complete severing of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
As a result, 786 Pakistani citizens have left India through the Attari-Wagah border since April 24, according to senior officials. The move comes as part of a broader crackdown in response to Pakistan’s alleged continued support for cross-border terrorism.
Among those forced to return is Osama, a Pakistani national who had been living in India for 17 years. He said he was pursuing his bachelor’s degree and preparing for job interviews. “I’ve completed my Class 10 and 12 here, I even have a ration card and have voted here. I appeal to the government for more time. I have no future in Pakistan,” he told ANI, expressing deep concern over his uncertain future.
Another Pakistani woman, who has lived in India for over four decades, broke down as she spoke about leaving behind her four daughters. “I have no family in Pakistan. I am being punished for something I had nothing to do with. Please stop this,” she pleaded.
The mass exodus comes days after one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, sparking nationwide outrage and prompting immediate diplomatic and security measures from New Delhi.
Authorities have made it clear that any Pakistani nationals remaining in India without valid diplomatic or long-term visas after the deadline will be considered illegal immigrants and face strict legal action.
