After the 22nd April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Indian authorities have increased surveillance on Pakistani nationals living in the country. Some Pakistani nationals on short-term visas have already been deported, while those on long-term visas are now under strict watch.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, police have identified at least 22 Pakistani women who have been living in the district for several years on long-term visas. These women, while still holding Pakistani citizenship, have given birth to a total of 95 children in India, many of whom have now grown up, married, and started families of their own.

According to police, around 35% of these women are now grandmothers, and the extended families have grown to over 500 members. Most of the women came to India decades ago, though two arrived just four years back.

Ration cards, Aadhaar—but no citizenship yet

Even though they are not Indian citizens, these women reportedly hold Indian-issued ration cards and Aadhaar cards, allowing them access to public welfare services. Police say that all 22 women have applied for Indian citizenship, but none have been granted it yet. Their children, born in India, have Indian nationality.

Authorities are now collecting detailed information about these families. “Comprehensive data collection is underway. Information is being compiled on all Pakistani-origin families in the area, including the status of their visa applications, ration card usage, family sizes, and overseas connections,” said Moradabad SP (City) Kumar Ranvijay Singh.

Local intelligence units and police teams are actively monitoring the families to ensure no illegal residents are living in the district. At the same time, Pakistani nationals living in India on long-term visas and who haven’t yet received Indian citizenship have been asked to reapply for their visas.

Investigations are also underway to track the current employment of the 95 Indian-born children and check if they have any connections with relatives in Pakistan. Authorities are treating the matter with high priority, given the increased security concerns post the Pahalgam attack.

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