Odisha to Serve Exit Notices to 12 Pakistani Nationals

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated the process to serve exit notices to 12 Pakistani nationals residing in the state on Long Term Visas (LTVs), following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of heightened national security concerns after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

The directive comes as part of a nationwide security review undertaken after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has since taken a series of precautionary steps, including suspending visa services for Pakistani nationals.

According to sources, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been in constant communication with the chief ministers of all states, instructing them to identify Pakistani nationals residing in their respective jurisdictions and ensure their departure from India at the earliest.

In response, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured full cooperation and has held discussions with the Union Home Minister. The state’s Home Department has begun preparations for implementing the directive, which will include serving formal notices to the 12 Pakistani nationals currently residing in Odisha on LTVs.

While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that LTVs issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid, it clarified that all other categories of Indian visas granted to Pakistani nationals stand revoked effective April 27. However, medical visas will remain valid until April 29.

The MEA has also advised Pakistani nationals currently in India to leave before their visa expiry dates and urged Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Pakistan. Those already in Pakistan have been requested to return as soon as possible.

The Odisha government is working closely with central agencies to implement the necessary measures and ensure compliance with national security protocols.