How Many Pakistani Nationals Are in South India? Over 600 Traced And Set to Be Sent Back

Over 600 Pakistani nationals are estimated to be in South India alone, who will have to be sent back to their country as New Delhi downgraded diplomatic ties with Islamabad in view of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Pakistan Nationals In Kerala

As per a report in Manorama, there are 102 Pakistani nationals in Kerala and nearly half of them are on medical visas for treatment. The remaining are in the Southern state over business-related purposes.

It has to be noted that Pakistan on Thursday announced that it suspending bilateral agreement and trade activities with India in response to New Delhi's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty.

Pak Nationals In Hyderabad

As per a report, 208 nationals are currently in Hyderabad out of which 156 people have Long-Term Visas (LTVs), 13 individuals possess Short-Term Visas 39 people are on medical visas.

The Long Term Visas are issued to those who are married to Indian citizens ro their blood relatives.

Tamil Nadu

Around 180-200 Pakistan nationals are in Tamil Nadu and the state government has started asking them to leave the country with immediate effect.

"Around 180 to 200 Pakistan nationals would be present in the State at any given time. Except for the ones who have come to Tamil Nadu for medical emergencies, the remaining will have to go back as early as possible," DT Next quoted a senior TN police official as saying.

It is reported that many Pakistani nationals travel to Chennai and Vellore for advanced medical care at major hospitals and they stay here for 2-3 months. Also, they have been asked to report to local police stations.

The authorities are gathering the lists of Pakistani nationals who are in India for medical treatment, business, or marital ties.

Karnataka

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has said that Pakistani nationals residing in Karnataka will be sent back, and action will be taken against those staying illegally. He told reporters: "Verification is underway to identify them. We need to check who has come officially and who has entered unofficially. Officers are conducting the verification. Questions regarding this issue had also been raised earlier in the legislative session."

Last month, the minister had said that 137 illegal immigrants were identified and arrested, including 25 Pakistan nationals. In Bengaluru alone, 84 illegal immigrants were arrested, followed by Bengaluru Rural with 27, Shivamogga with 12, Udupi with 10, Hassan with three, and Mangaluru with one.

However, the figures of the Pakistanis in Andhra has not been revealed, yet.

Why Do Most Pakistanis Come To India?

Pakistani businessmen frequently travel to India, especially to regions like Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, for trade-related purposes. Authorities have also raised concerns about cross-border matrimonial ties involving families from these Indian states and Pakistan, prompting data collection on such connections.

Increased scrutiny is being applied to Pakistani nationals entering India via third countries such as the UAE. Many individuals employed in American firms based in Dubai are known to visit Chennai on temporary work assignments, drawing further attention from Indian intelligence agencies.

India Acting Tough On Pakistan

Amid heightened tensions following recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, the Government of India has suspended all visa services for Pakistani citizens. This includes student, business, and medical visas. Indian nationals have also been advised to avoid travel to Pakistan until further notice.

The Indian government has directed all Pakistani nationals currently in India on medical visas to exit the country by April 29, with most expected to leave by April 27.

Additionally, all existing visas granted to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked from April 27, with the exception of long-term visas issued to members of the Hindu community from Pakistan. Medical visa holders have been provided a two-day grace period to make travel arrangements.

In a parallel move, the government has also discontinued Pakistani access under the SAARC visa exemption scheme. Individuals who entered India via this route have been instructed to depart within 48 hours.