In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists, the Uttar Pradesh state government has taken swift action to repatriate Pakistani citizens residing within its borders. Responding to advisories issued by the central government, Uttar Pradesh has reportedly become the first state in India to achieve near-complete repatriation of Pakistani nationals.
According to a statement released by the state government on Monday, all Pakistani citizens, with the exception of one individual, have been "expelled" from Uttar Pradesh. The remaining Pakistani national is scheduled to be deported on Wednesday, April 30, and is currently under close surveillance by police and intelligence agencies. The state government has not disclosed the exact number of Pakistani nationals who have been sent back.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level meeting with Home Department officials and other agencies, directing them to ensure the safe return of all Pakistani citizens to their home country. Police teams have been tasked with personally escorting the individuals to the border. Following the Chief Minister's directives, all 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh were placed on high alert, enabling swift action.
DGP Prashant Kumar confirmed the comprehensive measures implemented statewide under the Chief Minister's guidance. He stated that 100% of Pakistani citizens have been deported, with local police teams escorting them to the border. He added that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the first state in India to execute such swift and comprehensive action against Pakistani citizens, ensuring their return with full verification at the border.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley, has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The incident has led to a series of measures, including the revocation of visas issued to Pakistani nationals and increased security along the Line of Control (LoC).
The swift action by the Uttar Pradesh government underscores the heightened security environment and the government's commitment to addressing potential security concerns following the terror attack. While some Pakistani nationals expressed sorrow and questioned the circumstances of their expulsion, the government has emphasized the need for decisive action in the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy.