Delhi, 28 April (H.S.): Pakistani nationals in India who did not leave by the Union government's specified deadlines risk arrest, prosecution, and potentially facing up to three years in prison or fines up to ₹3 lakh, or both. The deadlines for exiting India were April 26 for those with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visas and April 29 for holders of medical visas. The specific visas that required holders to depart by April 27 included visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim, and group pilgrim.

According to officials, 272 Pakistani nationals departed India through the Attari-Wagah border on Friday and Saturday, with several hundred more leaving on April 27, 2025, which marked the end of the exit period for short-term visa holders from Pakistan.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has been significantly strained, particularly following a terror attack in Pahalgam. In response, New Delhi undertook several diplomatic actions, including canceling visas, prompting countermeasures from Islamabad. The situation escalated recently, with speculation regarding India's potential military responses to the Pahalgam incident, which occurred on April 22.

On April 23, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, during which officials decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan in light of the cross-border implications associated with the terror attack. Pakistan's government has denied any involvement in the incident, although The Resistance Front (TRF)—an offshoot of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba—initially claimed responsibility before later disavowing any connection to the attack.

The current climate reflects an escalation of tensions between the two nations, with both military and diplomatic responses suggesting a fragile and precarious situation.

The Central government issued a 'Leave India' notice to Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, primarily tourists, on April 22. This action aligns with the new Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, effective from April 4. The Act stipulates penalties for overstaying, violating visa conditions, and illegal entry into restricted areas, imposing up to three years of imprisonment and fines reaching ₹3 lakh.

The law specifies that any foreigner who remains in India beyond their visa expiration, stays without a valid passport or travel document, or breaches the conditions of their visa could face serious consequences. It states that individuals contravening any provisions of the Act or any rules, orders, or instructions associated with it (excluding specific sections) are subject to imprisonment for up to three years, fines of up to ₹3 lakh, or both.

In a proactive measure, Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted the chief ministers of all states, urging them to ensure no Pakistani national remains in India past the stipulated deadline for departure. Following these discussions, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan conducted a video conference with chief secretaries to reinforce the urgency of ensuring that all Pakistani nationals with revoked visas leave India by the established deadline.

The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 highlights India's strict stance on immigration violations and its commitment to national security, particularly in light of recent security concerns, such as the Pahalgam attack. The heightened enforcement of immigration regulations reflects the government's ongoing efforts to monitor and control foreign nationals' presence in the country, especially those from Pakistan, amid sensitive geopolitical tensions. Thus, the Act serves as a significant tool in managing immigration and enhancing security protocols.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar