Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a strict crackdown on Pakistani nationals overstaying in the state, following the central government’s suspension of visa services for Pakistani citizens.
Speaking to the media, Fadnavis stated,
“The central government has decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals who have come to India. We have sought a list (of Pakistani nationals who have come to India), they are being identified and police officials have been instructed to ensure that no Pakistani national stays in Maharashtra for more than 48 hours…Action will be taken against Pakistani nationals who overstay (in Maharashtra).”
The Chief Minister confirmed that district police units have been directed to carry out strict surveillance and ensure full compliance with the new directive.
“We will monitor it fully and send them out. Those who overstay will face legal action,” he added.
Fadnavis also mentioned that he had a detailed conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the matter.
“I had a detailed talk with the Union Home Minister and action will be taken as per his guidance,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with chief ministers across the country, instructing them to identify Pakistani nationals in their respective states and ensure their immediate return to Pakistan. The central government has decided to cancel all types of visas issued to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect, according to sources.
The move follows the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where terrorists killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national, prompting the Indian government to implement a series of retaliatory and preventive measures, including diplomatic, military, and administrative actions.