Chandigarh: The deadline for Pakistani citizens residing in India to leave the country expired on Sunday, and over 500 Pakistanis, including four from Karnataka, have been deported.
A large number of people gathered at the Attari-Wagah border on Sunday, which was the final day for departure. In the last four days, a total of 537 Pakistani citizens have been deported from the country, including three from Bangalore and one from a rural part of Karnataka. Similarly, 745 Indians have returned from Pakistan.
It is reported that those who overstay their visa in India will face imprisonment for up to 3 years and a maximum fine of ₹3 lakh, or both, under Section 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, all Pakistanis were given an April 27 deadline to leave India. Consequently, 537 people have returned to Pakistan in the last four days. Among them, 237 returned via the Attari-Wagah border on Sunday. 81 people returned on Saturday, 191 on Friday, and 28 on Thursday. On the other hand, 850 Indians, including 14 officials, have returned to India from Pakistan.
Officials stated that many Pakistanis have returned not only through the Attari-Wagah road, which is the only road link between India and Pakistan, but also via air travel. Those who obtained medical visas have been given a deadline until April 29, while those with long-term and diplomatic visas are exempt from this order.
12 Types of Visa Holders Return
April 27 was the last day for those who had come to India on 12 types of visas, including business, cinema, journalist, student, tourist, and pilgrim visas, to return. As a result, vehicles carrying Pakistanis were seen lined up on the border road.
