Over 2,000 visiting Pak nationals overstaying in Nagpur

Nagpur, Aug 21: Over 2,000 Pakistani nationals are overstaying in Nagpur despite the expiry of their visitors visa, since 1995, an RTI query has revealed.

As many as 9,705 Pakistani nationals had obtained visa for visiting Nagpur (India) from the authorities for 30, 45, 60 and 90 days. About 2,546 Pakistan citizens came on visa for longer duration and 533 of them were provided with Indian citizenship on their arrival here.

But about 2013, Pakistani nationals did not return to their country and were overstaying here, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), which deals with such cases.

The National Right to Information Committee, a local NGO had sought information under RTI on number of Pakistani nationals visiting Nagpur between 1980-1994 and 1995 onwards.

Police admitted they have no information on names and contact addresses of Pakistanis staying here till 1994. Also, police have informed this to Committee President Ejaz Khan and General Secretary Uteresh Wasnik. However, details from 1995 onwards were available.

The NGO has also sought information under RTI from Ministry of External Affairs and Home Ministry on number of Pakistanis visiting India since 1960.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a communication to Janardan Singh, First Secretary (Press and Information) High Commission of India, Islamabad (Pakistan) and Vumlunmang, Joint Secretary and Nodal Officer (RTI) in Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi has sought necessary information on Pakistanis visiting India since 1960.

PTI