MP officials seek Centre’s help over children born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers

As the Centre intensifies its crackdown on Pakistani nationals in India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, officials in Madhya Pradesh are grappling with a sensitive dilemma involving nine children born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers. These children, currently residing across Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur, are part of the group identified for departure under the Union government’s recent ‘Leave India’ order.

According to state officials, advice has been sought from the central government regarding the future of these minors, as their cases involve complex issues of citizenship, parental rights, and humanitarian concerns. Four of the children are living in Indore, three in Jabalpur, and two in Bhopal. Authorities are also reviewing the case of a Pakistani man who applied for a Long Term Visa (LTV) in Bhopal on April 25, just before the new restrictions came into effect.

Altogether, 14 individuals in Madhya Pradesh, including the nine children, fall under the purview of the visa cancellation order. Of these, three have already exited India and reached Pakistan. Another person remains in Delhi, where the Foreigners Regional Registration Office is handling their case.

The Home Ministry’s directive came shortly after the Pahalgam attack, where 26 people — mostly tourists — were killed in an act attributed to Pakistan-linked terrorists. In response, the Indian government revoked 14 categories of visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including business, conference, tourist, and pilgrim visas.

However, the order exempts those with Long Term Visas and diplomatic or official status. The man who applied for LTV on April 25 — prior to the official ban — now sits in a legal grey zone, prompting officials to seek urgent clarity from New Delhi.

The central government has warned that any Pakistani national remaining in the country beyond the specified deadlines will face arrest, prosecution, and penalties of up to three years in jail or a fine of ₹3 lakh. With 228 Pakistani nationals still present in Madhya Pradesh on various visas, state authorities are on high alert to ensure compliance while dealing sensitively with exceptional cases like that of the children.