5 Pakistanis go ‘missing’ in city

Mateen Hafeez | TNN

Mumbai: State police are still looking for five Pakistani nationals who entered the city but never returned. In two years, police have traced 70 missing Pakistanis and sent them back to their homeland, said police sources, adding that tracing Pakistanis is a major security issue. 

    In August 2009, city police directed 90-plus police stations to trace and detain 72 “missing” Pakistani nationals who entered Mumbai on valid visas but never went back. These Pakistanis were missing since 2005. When a Pakistani national comes to the city, he/she has to register with the foreigners’ regional registration office. “We take down their address, purpose of visit, where they will be staying and their contact persons. Yet, many Pakistanis went missing,” said an officer. Most of these missing-andlater-traced Pakistanis had entered India through Wagah and Attari checkposts.
 

    A senior police officer said, “Not all Pakistanis who entered the city went missing. Sometimes they do not report to us and just leave for Pakistan. Practically, they should inform us while leaving Mumbai. We can’t keep tabs everywhere,” he added. Most Pakistanis come to India to meet relatives. “There are cases of overstaying as well. Some Pakistanis, who are supposed to leave on a specific date, stay on illegally. We send them back to their country,” the officer added. At the time of their arrival and registration, Pakistani nationals have to give details of places they plan to visit. “We can’t say anything about their intentions unless we catch those who try to abscond after reaching here,” said an officer.
 

    “Last year, many Pakistanis came to watch the cricket World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan. Many arrived in Mumbai before or after the match to meet relatives. However, we made sure they didn’t overstay,” the officer added. 

 

 

The Times of India, May 10, 2012