IB identifies around 5000 Pakistani Nationals in Delhi
NEW DELHI, Apr 27: Any Pakistani, who fails to leave India as per the deadlines set by the government, will be arrested, prosecuted and may face a jail term of up to three years or a fine of a maximum Rs 3 lakh or both.
The ‘Leave India’ notice to the Pakistani nationals was issued by the government after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.
The deadline for exiting India for those holding SAARC visas was April 26. For those carrying medical visas, the deadline is April 29. The 12 categories of visas whose holders have to leave India by Sunday are — visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim and group pilgrim.
According to the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which came into effect on April 4, overstaying, violating visa conditions, or trespassing in restricted areas could lead to three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.
“Whoever,—(a) being a foreigner, remains in any area in India for a period exceeding the period for which the visa was issued to him or stays in India without a valid passport or other valid travel document in contravention of provisions of Section 3 or does any act in violation of the conditions of the valid visa issued to him for his entry and stay in India or any part there under;
“(b) contravenes any other provisions of this Act, other than sections 17 and 19, or of any rule or order made thereunder or any direction or instruction given in pursuance of this Act or such order or direction or instruction for which, no specific punishment is provided under this Act, shall be punishable with an imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine which may extend to three lakh rupees or with both,” the Act says.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has handed over the list of around 5000 Pakistani nationals living in the national capital to the Delhi police to ensure these people return home.
The Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has shared the list with a special branch of the Delhi police, and it was further shared with the district concerned for further verification and identification.
The list includes the names of Hindu Pakistan nationals who have Long Term Visas (LTVs) and are exempted.
“The list has been handed over to the district concerned for verification, and asked the Pak nationals to return to their homeland. Central and North East districts have a high number of Pakistani nationals living in the area,” said a senior official.
The official added that a meeting was called over the matter and Delhi police has been instructed to take immediate action on the matter. Senior officers are monitoring the situation.
The officers of the special branch of the Delhi police and the Intelligence Bureau have been entrusted to collect information about these Pakistani nationals residing in Delhi and ask them to leave India at the earliest.
Another officer confirmed that they have two lists of 3000 and 2000 Pakistan nationals staying in Delhi. There are certain names that overlap, and it is subject to verification of their stay as many Pakistan nationals have already left.
The government later clarified that LTVs already granted to Hindu Pakistani nationals will remain valid.
According to estimates, around 900 people are living near Majnu Ka Tila and 600-700 near Signature Bridge.
