Bhubaneswar: A day after India revoked visas issued to Pakistani nationals in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today asked Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to identify all Pakistani nationals residing in Odisha and ensure their departure to Pakistan.
According to official sources, Shri Shah spoke to all Chief Ministers including Shri Majhi over telephone today in this matter, asking them to identify all Pakistani nationals in their states.
Sources said Mr. Shah asked the Chief Ministers to take steps to ensure their prompt return to Pakistan without any further delay. Accordeingly ACS Home Satyabrata Sahu has directed DGP to take immidate steps for deportation of Pankmistanis, said sources.
At least 12 Pakistani nationals are staying in Odisha with long-term VISA. So, all these persons have been asked to depart to their home nation. The State Home Department has asked them to leave India in 48 hours.
Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania told the media that these people have been served notice to leave India within 48 hours.
This direction was issued in the wake of heightened security concerns following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 27 lives.
Just a day prior, the Centre had announced the suspension of all visa services for Pakistani nationals, with the exception of medical visas, which will remain valid until April 29.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also advised all Indian nationals currently in Pakistan to return as soon as possible. Pakistani citizens residing in India have also been urged to leave before their amended visas expire.
Data of the Ministry of Home Affairs shows that between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, a total of 1,112 Long-Term Visas (LTVs) were granted by the MHA to members of minority communities from Pakistan.