KKN Gurugram Desk | In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, Indian authorities have begun taking stringent action against overstaying foreign nationals — particularly Pakistani citizens. In Bihar’s capital Patna, a total of 27 Pakistani nationals residing on extended visas have been ordered to leave the country immediately.
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Following intelligence alerts and policy directives after the Pahalgam terror incident, the Foreigners’ Registration Branch in Patna has issued formal notices to the individuals, asking them to exit Indian territory without delay.
Who Are These 27 Pakistani Nationals?
According to official records, all 27 Pakistani nationals had initially entered India on short-term visas, ranging between 3 to 7 days, citing reasons such as:
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Family visits
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Marriages of relatives
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Medical emergencies
However, many of them extended their stay multiple times, requesting visa renewals based on personal and humanitarian grounds.
These individuals are predominantly residing in densely populated localities of Patna:
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Sabjibagh
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Samanpura
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Phulwarisharif
They are reportedly staying with relatives or acquaintances and had been under routine surveillance for some time, according to sources in the Special Branch.
Why Were Their Visas Cancelled?
The move to cancel the visa extensions of these Pakistani nationals came after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which has been widely blamed on Pakistan-based extremist groups.
Authorities suspect potential misuse of visa provisions, and while no direct link has been found between the individuals in Patna and the attack, intelligence agencies are taking no chances.
Key concerns include:
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Monitoring the places they visited during their stay
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Identifying people they interacted with
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Checking whether they took photos or recorded sensitive infrastructure
This information is now under investigation by the Special Branch of Bihar Police in coordination with central intelligence agencies.
Legal and Administrative Measures in Place
Officials from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) have clarified that all 27 individuals are legally bound to leave India. The District Administration, in coordination with local police stations, has begun issuing formal notices to each overstaying foreigner.
Steps being taken include:
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Notice issuance via local police stations
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Verification of departure plans, such as:
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Flight tickets
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Train bookings
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Border-crossing arrangements
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Submission of photocopies of tickets and boarding passes
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Two witness testimonies required to verify each individual’s departure
Those failing to comply will face immediate detention, and under court direction, they could be forcibly deboarded and deported.
Security and Surveillance Intensify Post-Attack
While no official has publicly accused these Pakistani visitors of any wrongdoing, the Pahalgam terror attack has significantly heightened national security sensitivity. This incident has once again put the India-Pakistan relationship under scrutiny, particularly regarding:
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Cross-border infiltration
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Support to extremist factions
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Visa policy loopholes
Security agencies have ramped up their surveillance on foreign nationals, especially those from high-risk countries. State-level intelligence networks have been instructed to cross-check and verify all visa extensions granted in the past 12 months.
Special focus is being given to:
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Pakistan
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Afghanistan
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Bangladesh
Local Community Reactions in Patna
The news of the deportation orders has sparked mixed reactions in the localities where the Pakistani nationals reside.
Local Residents Speak:
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“They were staying with family for medical treatment, nothing suspicious,” says a resident of Sabjibagh.
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“After the terror attack, everyone is worried. Better safe than sorry,” remarks a local shopkeeper in Phulwarisharif.
Some local politicians have urged calm and restraint, asking residents not to spread rumors or act in panic. Meanwhile, community elders are cooperating with local police, ensuring that the foreigners follow the directives peacefully.
Departure Logistics: How Are They Leaving?
To ensure transparency, the police have requested all 27 individuals to submit confirmed departure plans, including:
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Flight itineraries (for air travel to Pakistan)
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Train tickets (for cross-border connections to Wagah or Attari)
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Road transport documents (in case of indirect travel via other states)
A team of officers from Bihar Police’s Foreigners Cell is verifying documents and coordinating with immigration to ensure that none of them remain behind beyond the given deadline.
Failure to present valid documents may result in:
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Immediate arrest
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Detention under the Foreigners Act
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Court-ordered deportation
Wider Implications: Visa Policy Under Review
The incident has prompted the Ministry of Home Affairs to call for a review of the existing visa extension protocols, especially for nationals from “sensitive nations”. New recommendations expected include:
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Stricter scrutiny during visa extensions
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Involvement of central intelligence agencies before approval
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Mandatory biometric updates every 30 days for extended visa holders
There is also a growing call for real-time tracking of foreign nationals via integrated systems between FRROs, local police, and national databases.
Keyword Focus: Indian visa policy 2025, MHA foreign nationals directive, visa extension rules India
Pahalgam Terror Attack: The Trigger Point
On April 20, 2025, the serene tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir was shaken by a deadly terrorist attack that resulted in multiple civilian and security force casualties. The attackers are believed to have crossed over from Pakistan, leading to renewed calls for strict immigration control and heightened national vigilance.
Key fallout effects:
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Border security tightened
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Visa screenings intensified
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Deportation drives launched
This broader crackdown is seen as a preventive national security measure, rather than an indictment of individuals currently under review.
