The Indian government has issued an order in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack which has forced hundreds of Pakistani nationals, including women married to Indian nationals, to leave the country. Many of them, recently married or living in India for decades, are emotional about leaving the country.
Visa after long wait, sent back in weeks
Menal Khan, a Pakistani citizen, arrived in India just last month after a long wait for a visa to join her husband, CRPF jawan Munir Khan from Jammu. The couple got married online in 2024.
Now, Menal is among 786 Pakistani nationals who have exited India via the Attari-Wagah border after the Centre’s directive asking all Pakistani citizens to leave by April 27. Only those on medical visas were given a two-day extension.
While leaving Menal had one request for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She said, “This is my request to Modi Saahab… Just like they have been separated from their husbands, we shouldn’t be treated the same way. In a way, we will also die.”
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Long-time residents face uncertainty
The order has also impacted individuals like Osama, a Pakistani national who came to India in 2008. He says he has spent more than 15 years here, built a life, and possesses Indian documents.“There are families who have lived here for 20–30 years. We’ve even cast our votes. We have Aadhaar, election cards, and even a domicile certificate. Where do we go now?” he wondered.
Crackdown follows terror attack
The government directive to Pakistani citizens came after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region earlier this month, which claimed multiple lives. In response, the government announced a review of Pakistani nationals residing in India and enforced a complete exit for most, citing security concerns.
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Scenes of separation
Visuals from the Attari-Wagah border show tearful departures and emotional goodbyes. For many, the move has not only disrupted their lives, but has also left them unsure if they will ever return.
