India Eases Exit Deadline for Pakistani Nationals — Know the New Date

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the central government has adopted a strict attitude. In this sequence, the 48-hour deadline given earlier to Pakistani citizens living in India to leave the country has been completed, but despite this the government has directed to continue allowing the return of Pakistani citizens through the Attari-Wagah border. This order will remain effective till further instructions.

India gives relief to Pakistani citizens, extends deadline to leave the country; Know what is the deadline : Earlier, the government had given Pak citizens time till April 30 to leave India. Under this, 'Quit India' notice was issued after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. In this attack, terrorists linked to Pakistan killed 26 people, most of whom were tourists. According to government sources, in the past six days, a total of 786 Pakistani citizens including 55 diplomats, their family members and support staff have left India through the Attari-Wagah border. Apart from this, eight Indians holding Pakistani visa have also gone to the neighboring country. This process is still going on.

Since April 24, a total of 1,465 Indian citizens have returned to India from the Indo-Pak international border, including 25 diplomats and officials. Apart from this, 151 Pakistani citizens, who are on long-term Indian visas, have also entered India.

The government had set different last dates according to visa categories. The last date for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visa holders was April 26. For medical visa holders, it was April 29 and for the rest of the 12 visa categories (business, journalist, film, visitor, pilgrimage, etc.), the last date was fixed as April 27.

Officials informed that 94 Pakistani citizens including 10 diplomats left India on 29 April, 145 including 36 diplomats on 28 April, 237 including 9 diplomats on 27 April, 81 on 26 April, 191 on 25 April and 28 Pakistani citizens on 24 April. This decision of the central government is a clear indication that it will take the terrorist attack seriously and will not compromise on security, but is also ensuring that humanity and diplomatic decorum are followed.