Pakistani National Asked to Leave India Post-Pahalgam Attack, Cites Visa Expiry During COVID

By A Staff Reporter

Attari, Punjab: Ira, a Pakistani national who had been residing in India for the past ten years, has been instructed to return to Pakistan via the Attari border. Speaking to reporters, Ira explained her situation, highlighting that her visa had expired during the COVID-19 pandemic and she had been living in India since her marriage in Delhi a decade ago.

"I got married 10 years ago in Delhi. My visa expired during COVID... I am a NORI visa holder, but I have been asked to leave the country because of the attack (in Pahalgam). Whatever happened there is absolutely wrong, but we should not be punished for this," Ira stated, referencing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that has heightened tensions and security concerns.

NORI, or "No Objection to Return to India," is a visa category often granted to Pakistani nationals married to Indian citizens or with other humanitarian grounds. However, in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, authorities have reportedly reviewed cases involving Pakistani nationals residing in India under expired or sensitive visa conditions.