New Delhi: Following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the central government had issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum for all Pakistani nationals to leave Indian soil. As the deadline comes to a close today, official reports confirm that 509 Pakistanis have exited the country through the Attari-Wagah border.

The directive was aimed particularly at Pakistanis visiting India on short-term visas. In the three days since the government's announcement, not only have hundreds of Pakistani nationals departed, but 745 Indians — including 14 diplomats — have also made their way back home from Pakistan through the same border crossing.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had specifically ordered all Pakistani citizens who arrived on SAARC visas to leave India by April 26. For others visiting on short-term permits — such as business travelers, filmmakers, journalists, students, tourists, and pilgrims — the final exit deadline was set for today, April 27. Patients who came to India on medical visas were given a slightly extended window until April 29.

It’s important to note that this mass departure order does not apply to Pakistanis residing in India on long-term visas or those holding diplomatic status.

Authorities have made it clear: if any Pakistani citizen on a short-term visa is found remaining in India after today, they risk immediate arrest, up to three years of imprisonment, and a hefty penalty of ₹3 lakh.

Meanwhile, officials indicated that several Pakistani nationals might have also departed from India via airports, taking connecting flights through third countries due to the absence of direct air links between India and Pakistan.