Shillong: Amid heightened national security concerns following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, authorities in Meghalaya have confirmed that no Pakistani nationals currently reside in Shillong or the broader East Khasi Hills (EKH) district.
The update was provided by Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem on April 28, in response to a national directive mandating the immediate departure of Pakistani citizens from Indian soil.
Speaking to the media, Syiem stated that thorough record checks had been conducted, and no individuals from Pakistan were found to be residing in the EKH district. “The process is ongoing to verify if anyone had visited earlier, but as of now, our checks reveal no presence of Pakistani nationals in Shillong,” he confirmed.
This clarification follows a statewide enforcement order issued on April 25, instructing all Pakistani citizens in India to leave by specific deadlines, depending on their visa category. Individuals without diplomatic, long-term, or official visas were directed to exit by April 27, while those on medical visas were granted time until April 29. Pakistani citizens on SAARC visas were required to leave by April 26.
Authorities have issued a stern warning, stating that failure to comply will result in strict legal action in accordance with Indian law. The directive was issued in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives — marking one of the most devastating attacks in the region since 2019.
The tragedy has prompted nationwide security reviews, including scrutiny of foreign nationals, reinforced border vigilance, and proactive verification drives across various states.