SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken into custody several Pakistani-origin individuals across the region for remaining in the country beyond a mandated departure deadline. These detentions follow a directive instructing them to exit Indian territory by April 27, a date explicitly mentioned in a recent government notification.
Most of those held are women who had entered from Pakistan-administered Kashmir and settled in different parts of the Valley over the past few years. Many of them have since raised families in India, with children born on this side of the border, according to individuals familiar with the matter.
The crackdown comes in the aftermath of the recent terrorist strike in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead and numerous others seriously wounded, triggering heightened security measures and tighter scrutiny of foreign nationals.
According to informed sources, each of the apprehended individuals had previously received official removal notices issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police from the CID Special Branch of Kashmir. The officer, who also serves as the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO), had warned them to adhere to the evacuation order without exception.
An official involved in the process stated that the ongoing enforcement was in line with instructions from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The directive, cited as Order No. 25022/28/2025-F and dated April 25, 2025, required all undocumented Pakistani nationals residing in India to leave the country no later than April 27, 2025.
Despite these repeated warnings, several individuals continued to remain within Kashmir territory. Responding to this violation, local law enforcement initiated a well-coordinated effort to track down and detain all those who ignored the mandate.
Those detained are expected to be escorted to the Wagah border, where they will be formally transferred to Pakistani authorities following the completion of procedural checks and verifications.
While no public announcement has been made regarding the exact number of detentions, insiders confirmed that the operation is being overseen by senior government officials, with logistical arrangements already in progress.
The Indian government has reiterated that any Pakistani national who disobeys these departure orders faces arrest, criminal charges, and legal consequences that may include imprisonment for up to three years, a monetary penalty of up to Rs 3 lakh, or both.
