Some 107 Pakistani nationals appear to have gone missing in the Indian state of Maharashtra after the expiration of their visas, the Hindustan Times said in a report published on Tuesday.
To a query raised by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil said 60 Pakistani nationals were living in the state without any permit or visa, despite local authorities being aware of their whereabouts.
Additionally, until December 31, 2012, 5,807 Pakistani nationals were found to be living in Maharashtra. Of these, 1,975 were issued long-terms visas, while 72 had short-term visas. Patil said requests made by 2,144 Pakistanis had been put forward to the Centre and state for visa extension, but these were still pending.
He said 1,330 Pakistanis were living in the state on visit visas, of which 177 were in the country for training, conferences and medical treatment.
He refused to acknowledge any delay on the part of the state to filter illegal immigrants, saying police authorities and state intelligence agencies had been directed to find them and to take appropriate action. He signed off saying some cases were also being heard by courts.