Pahalgam attack: Madhya Pradesh officials in fix over 9 children born to Indian mothers, Pakistani fathers

NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh authorities are grappling with cases involving nine children born to Pakistani fathers and Indian mothers, following the Centre's strict 'leave the country' order issued after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The state officials are also seeking guidance regarding a Pakistani national who applied for a Long Term Visa in Bhopal on April 25, just before the Union government's directive.
"We have sought advice from the Centre on nine children born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers. Four children are with their mothers in Indore, three in Jabalpur and two in Bhopal. We have also sought advice on the man who applied for LTV on April 25," said a senior official.
The official confirmed that 14 persons in Madhya Pradesh, including these nine children, were required to leave India as per the government's order. Three have already departed for Pakistan, while one person remains in Delhi due to matters being handled by the foreigners regional registration Office.
There are currently 228 Pakistani nationals residing in Madhya Pradesh on various types of visas.
The Centre has announced that Pakistani nationals who fail to comply with the set deadlines will face arrest and prosecution, potentially leading to a three-year jail term, a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh, or both.
The government issued the 'Leave India' notice following the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, by Pakistan-linked terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.
On April 25, the Centre revoked 14 visa categories for Pakistani nationals, including business, conference, visitor, and pilgrim visas. The order excludes Long Term Visas and diplomatic and official visas.
The Home Ministry has specified different departure deadlines: April 26 for SAARC visa holders, April 27 for those with visas on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim visas, and group pilgrim visas for Pakistani minorities. Those with medical visas must leave by April 29.
The ministry has suspended the issuance of new visas to Pakistani nationals.
Union home minister Amit Shah contacted all state chief ministers on April 25, instructing them to ensure Pakistani nationals leave India by the specified deadlines.
Following Shah's calls, union home secretary Govind Mohan conducted a video conference with chief secretaries, emphasizing the enforcement of departure deadlines for Pakistani nationals whose visas were revoked.