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New Delhi: Delhi Police verified around 2,000 Pakistani visitors who were said to be present in the national capital and ensured that those without a long-term visa were on their way out, sources said on Monday. A majority of those present in Delhi left via Punjab and other borders by Monday evening.
A coordinated operation was run by the ‘Pakistan cell' in the special branch and intelligence wing of Delhi Police, along with local police personnel in all districts of Delhi over the last two days. This action followed the revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals after a recent directive from the Centre, prompted by the Pahalgam attack. Intelligence agencies shared two lists of 3,000 and 2,000 Pakistani citizens potentially present in Delhi. There are various names overlapping in these lists, so each name is being verified individually and their status recorded.
Sources said that police replicated the process to expel people that they followed during their drive against Bangladeshis a few months ago. Elaborating on the measures, a senior officer said: "District DCPs received lists of Pakistani nationals residing in their areas, and teams were then dispatched to visit their residences, check their documents, and ask them to leave the country voluntarily. The SHOs were asked to ascertain the legal status of people in their jurisdiction and submit a report."
Around 50 Pakistani nationals were traced in central Delhi localities and 27 in the north. "Many of those who landed in Delhi were contacted, and they said that they went to other places like Bhopal, Mumbai, etc., to meet their relatives and acquaintances," said an inspector. The verification process was strict in areas of southeast Delhi, northeast Delhi, and north and central Delhi, officers said. Many visited the special branch office to inquire about their exit forms.
Sources said those who failed to leave voluntarily or did not have a long-term visa would be subject to deportation proceedings. "Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take swift action against those who do not comply with the orders. In addition, guest houses, lodges and hotels have been directed to submit detailed lists of Pakistani nationals staying at their establishments. This move is intended to ensure no individual escapes scrutiny by relocating to temporary accommodation," said a senior officer.
On Friday, MHA issued an order regarding the revocation of visas of Pak nationals except for medical, diplomatic, and long-term visas, with effect from April 27, 2025. The existing medical visas shall also stand invalid after April 29. Govt later clarified that long-term visas already granted to Hindu Pakistani nationals will remain valid.
