Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 6 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday confirmed that the state will take action regarding the identification and deportation of Pakistani nationals, in line with national directives.

Speaking to ANI, Chief Minister Sai said that the instruction to identify and deport Pakistani nationals is applicable across the country. He also mentioned that short-term visas issued to Pakistani citizens have been cancelled.

'The instruction (to identify Pakistanis) is for the entire nation. The short-term visa for all Pakistanis has been cancelled... We will take action in Chhattisgarh...' CM Sai stated.

Following an advisory from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), multiple states have begun preparations to identify and deport Pakistani nationals residing in India without valid documentation.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that his state had also initiated steps in compliance with the MHA advisory. 'The Union Home Ministry has advised all states to deport Pakistani nationals residing in India. We have directed all Superintendents of Police and senior officers to compile a list of such individuals,' he said while addressing the media.

He clarified that individuals holding permanent visas would be exempt from the deportation process. Parameshwara further stated that even Pakistani students currently studying in Karnataka would be asked to return. 'We, too, have issued the advisory to our SPs. I do not have the exact numbers as of now,' he added.

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Parameshwara said Karnataka has remained on high alert. 'We have been alert since the incident happened. It is not only in the state, but the alert is nationwide,' he added.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also confirmed on Saturday that the Ministry of Home Affairs has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, except for medical, diplomatic, and long-term visas, with effect from April 27, 2025. Gupta stated that existing medical visas would become invalid after April 29.

Retweeting a post by the Delhi government, Gupta wrote: 'The Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India, has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, except medical, diplomatic & long-term visas, with effect from 27th of April, 2025. The existing medical visas shall also stand invalid after the 29th of April, 2025. No new visas will be issued to Pakistani nationals henceforward. The Delhi government is ensuring strict compliance with these orders. Every violation is being sincerely tracked, and necessary action will follow.'

She reiterated that the Delhi government is ensuring strict compliance with the orders and that all violations are being monitored and acted upon.

The nationwide directive comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which has triggered a wave of grief and anger across the country.

On Tuesday, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. It is being described as one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

(ANI)