A Pakistani national living in Goa on a long-term visa since 2016 has approached the Supreme Court after the Central government issued a notification cancelling all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

The matter was mentioned before a vacation bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma.

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During the brief hearing, the counsel for the petitioner referred to the recent notification issued by the Central government after the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that all visas granted to Pakistani nationals from April 27, 2024 have been cancelled.

Responding to the counsel's argument, Justice Sanjay Karol remarked, "So go back."

The counsel for the petitioner clarified that the petitioner is not reluctant to return to Pakistan, but stressed that a specific condition applies in the case of long-term visa holders, and that the petitioner was born in India.

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The bench also asked why the petitioner did not approach the Goa High Court earlier. In response, the counsel submitted that police officers have been visiting the petitioner, which led to the urgency of seeking relief from the Supreme Court.

Taking note of the submissions, the Supreme Court bench agreed to list the matter for an appropriate hearing.

The central government order read:

"All existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals, except Medical Visa, Long Term Visa, Diplomatic and Official Visa, are cancelled with immediate effect from April 27. Medical visas will remain valid only till April 29."

The matter now awaits further proceedings before the Supreme Court.