In the wake of the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, the Nagpur Police and District Administration have started a thorough screening of Pakistani nationals who are currently staying in the city. Four Pakistani nationals have already returned to Pakistan on their own, while the rest are being screened carefully to ensure compliance with the Government orders. The move comes following strict orders from the Central Government to identify and send back any Pakistani citizens overstaying their visas. As per official sources, around 2,400 Pakistani nationals are currently residing in Nagpur. Most of them have come on short-term or long-term visas, including for medical purposes. Interestingly, only 13 of the Pakistani nationals staying in Nagpur are Muslims, while the rest are either Hindus or belong to other communities. Many of them are from the Sindh province of Pakistan and are seeking Indian citizenship. They have cited family connections since pre-partition. Over 1,500 of them have reportedly started the citizenship application process.

 

Most Pakistanis are staying in areas like Jaripatka, Mominpura, Jaffar Nagar and North Nagpur, with their Indian relatives. Of them, about 1,000 are on long-term visas (LTVs), while others are in the city on yearly or short-term visas. Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed lives of 28 tourists, including 2 foreign nationals, the Central Government has taken a strict stand. It has ordered all Pakistani citizens staying in India, excluding officials, diplomatic or long-term visas holders, to leave India by April 27. Those on medical visas have been given time until April 29. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also confirmed the directive and warned of legal action against those overstaying in India. The city police have been working round the clock to verify the documents and current visa status of all Pakistani nationals in Nagpur. Officers from local police stations have been directed to keep a close watch on movement of all Pakistanis staying in Nagpur.

 

To ensure law and order, police patrolling has been increased in the areas where the Pakistani nationals are living. The Special Branch of the police is also actively involved in monitoring Pakistanis. An official from the Nagpur Police said, “We already have details of Pakistani nationals, including their relatives and guarantors in India.” The Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that only Pakistani nationals with LTVs, diplomatic status, or official visa holders can stay. All others are expected to return immediately. Those who had come to India for casual family visits or celebrations are not exempt. Meanwhile, the City Administration is still waiting for clearer instructions on how to handle the cases of those applying for Indian citizenship. The applicants are from Pakistan’s Sindh provinces. Now, they are under fear that the recent crackdown might affect their future in India.