Bihar, Karnataka to deport Pakistani nationals post-Union advisory

The Bihar and Karnataka governments have begun the process of deporting all Pakistani nationalists residing in the states after the Union Home Ministry issued an advisory to all states to identify and deport Pakistani nationals, barring certain exempted categories.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that the state government will identify and deport Pakistani nationals residing in Bihar. Speaking exclusively to India Today, Choudhary said, "We are continuously working under the directions of the Central Government. We will identify Pakistani nationals living in Bihar and send them back. Under all circumstances, Pakistani citizens must return."

Commenting on the opposition's candle marches, Choudhary emphasised unity over politics. "Everyone must stay united for the country. Politics will only happen if the nation survives," he said.

Karnataka's Home Minister, Dr G Parameshwara, also confirmed actions being taken in his state. "Yesterday, the Home Ministry issued an advisory to identify and deport all Pakistani nationals except for some exempted categories," he said.

"We have issued instructions to the Superintendent of Police of all districts



to identify those categories of Pakistani nationals and ask them to leave immediately. I don't know the exact number. We have taken action as per the instructions of the Government of India," he added.

On Thursday, a day after India suspended all existing visas for Pakistani nationals, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed all Chief Ministers to promptly identify and remove Pakistani citizens residing in their respective states.

During a high-level meeting with senior officials, Shah instructed immediate action for the deportation of Pakistani nationals.

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Narendra Modi-led government has ordered all Pakistani citizens to exit India by April 27. Those in the country on medical visas have been granted an extension of two days and must leave by April 29.

“In line with the decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Security following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Thursday. The MEA also "strongly advised" Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Pakistan.