After Pahalgam Terror Attack, 27 Pakistani Nationals in Patna Told to Leave; Visas Suspended
Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 28 lives, authorities have ordered 27 Pakistani nationals residing in Patna to leave the city as part of heightened security measures. Most of those affected are women who were living on extended long-term visas.
According to Sanjay Kumar, SP (Law and Order), Patna Police is awaiting further instructions from higher authorities, which are expected within 24 hours. “Currently, 24 Pakistani women are living in Patna on long-term visas, and three have surrendered their Pakistani passports to gain Indian citizenship,” Kumar said. One of the women is also facing a criminal trial related to the Pirbahore case (case no. 84/02), and police have been directed to maintain strict surveillance on all Pakistani nationals in the area.
Police sources revealed that these individuals had entered India legally, mostly on short-term visas for medical treatment or family events, but many extended their stay. “They are staying with relatives in areas such as Samanpura, Rukanpura, Phulwarisharif, and Pirbahore,” an officer said. Information on each individual has been forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Union government moved swiftly to suspend all valid Pakistani visas within 48 hours. Preparations are now underway to deport all Pakistani citizens residing in Patna.
Authorities have also warned that any Pakistani national who remains in India after their visa is revoked may face arrest and be treated as an illegal intruder.
The move is part of a broader national crackdown in response to the terror strike, with security agencies tightening their grip on foreign nationals, especially from Pakistan, as India reassesses diplomatic and visa protocols in light of the escalating tensions.