In a strong and direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, the Government of India has ordered all Pakistani nationals currently residing in the country to leave before the April 27, 2025, deadline. As part of this decisive action, 228 Pakistani nationals in Madhya Pradesh have been identified and informed to exit the country before the stated date.
A senior state government official confirmed that as per available records, there are 228 Pakistani nationals residing in Madhya Pradesh. The official stated that the role of the state was to collect and report data to the Centre, and further mentioned that data on how many individuals have already left would be received by the evening.
This action comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally contacted the Chief Ministers of all Indian states, directing them to ensure that no Pakistani national remains in India beyond the set deadline. The directive is in continuation of decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs released an official statement announcing the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals are now revoked effective April 27, 2025. However, medical visas will remain valid until April 29, 2025. The statement clarified that all Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave before their now-amended visa expiry dates.
This visa cancellation is part of a larger set of retaliatory actions by India in response to Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting cross-border terrorism. The Indian government has also declared the defence, military, naval, and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata. These individuals have been given one week to leave the country.
Additionally, India will be reducing the overall strength of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi from 55 to 30 members. This downsizing is to be completed by May 1, 2025, further underscoring India’s firm stance.
India’s message is clear: there will be zero tolerance for terrorism and any nation harboring or supporting it will face strong and irreversible consequences.
