M.P. Officials in a Fix Over Children of Pakistani Fathers In the Wake of Centre’s Deportation Order

Bhopal, April 29, 2025 — In the wake of the Centre’s firm order to deport Pakistani nationals living illegally in India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Madhya Pradesh officials are now facing a delicate situation regarding nine children who were born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers.

The cases have arisen from various districts, for which local authorities are now referring to legal opinions on the status of citizenship for these children. “The case is complicated in that the children were born to Indian mothers here but their fathers are Pakistani citizens. We are studying the provisions of law meticulously,” a Home Department senior official said on Monday.

A Pakistani national, it is said, had also sought a Long Term Visa (LTV) on April 25 in Bhopal, shortly after the Pahalgam attack and before the Union Home Ministry’s across-the-board instruction to tighten its noose on Pakistani citizens who were living here without proper papers. “His application is under investigation, and we are waiting for Centre’s instructions on whether to process or reject pending LTV applications,” the official stated.

The Union government’s decision to speed up the deportation of Pakistani nationals is a reflection of increased security concerns in the wake of the Pahalgam attack attributed to cross-border terror groups. States have been directed to prepare comprehensive lists of Pakistani nationals who reside illegally or have overstayed in India and take prompt action.

In Madhya Pradesh, district officials have been instructed to undertake immediate verification campaigns. Officials concede, however, that cases of minors born to Indian nationals are presenting a legal and humanitarian issue.

“We cannot handle these children as foreign nationals on a routine basis. Every case will require personal legal examination, taking into account constitutional safeguards, international agreements, and human rights commitments,” the official clarified. Legal consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs are being held.

In the meantime, security has been increased at all sensitive places in Madhya Pradesh, and intelligence agencies have accelerated background checks on Pakistani-origin individuals living in the state.

Officials emphasized that while national security remains paramount, the government is also mindful of humanitarian concerns, especially where minor children are involved. “We are working towards a solution that balances national interest with human rights,” a senior officer assured.

The final decision regarding the status of the nine children and the pending LTV application is expected after consultations with the Union Home Ministry later this week.