Kozhikode Police Withdraw Notices to Pakistani Nationals With Long-Term Visa Applications

By A Staff Reporter

Kozhikode, Kerala: The Kozhikode rural police have withdrawn notices sent last week to three Pakistani nationals residing in the district, following confirmation that the individuals had applied for long-term visas. The action comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign nationals across India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The three individuals — 79-year-old Puthanpuravalappil Hamsa, Khamarunnisa, and her sister Asma — have been long-term residents of Kozhikode. Their notices were revoked after authorities confirmed that all three had initiated formal processes for extended residency in India.

Hamsa, the oldest among them, has a unique and poignant history. Born in Kerala, he moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1965 from Calcutta through an agent. Eventually, he settled in Karachi, where he lived with his brother before returning to Kerala in 2007. Since his return, Hamsa has applied for Indian citizenship and has been awaiting a resolution for nearly two decades.

Police clarified that the notices were part of a standard verification process and were not punitive. "Upon verification, we found that these three individuals have applied for long-term visas and have been cooperative throughout the process. Therefore, the notices have been withdrawn," a Kozhikode police official confirmed.

In contrast, five other Pakistani nationals residing in Kerala on short-term visas have already exited the state, as confirmed by police.

This update comes at a time when the government has heightened vigilance on foreign nationals, especially those from Pakistan, in light of national security concerns. However, authorities in Kerala have emphasized that due process and case-by-case assessments are guiding their actions.