22 Pakistani women found living in UP's Moradabad; many with grandchildren

Twenty-two Pakistani women residing in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad on long-term visas have reportedly been identified by the authorities. These women had given birth to 95 children in India, according to reports.

While the women are still Pakistani citizens, all their children are Indian nationals by birth.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India revoked visas of Pakistanis, barring those with long-term visas, and those for officials and diplomats.

These women arrived in India over the last few decades, mostly after marrying Indian men, as per a report by Economic Times. Two of them came as recently as four years ago, according to the publication. Along with the women, two Pakistani men have also been residing in the district for several years.

Police investigations revealed that many of the children are now adults, some already married with families of their own. As per the publication, 35 per cent of the women are now grandmothers. Including their children and grandchildren, these families now make up a population of over 500 people in the district.

Despite the women not having Indian citizenship, they have Indian government-issued ration and Aadhaar cards, which allow them access to public welfare schemes

The police stated that they have applied for citizenship, and until then, they continue to live in the country on long-term visas.

“Comprehensive data collection is underway. Information is being compiled on all Pakistani-origin families in the area, including the status of their visa applications, ration card usage, family sizes and overseas connections," the publication quoted Moradabad Superintendent of Police (City) Kumar Ranvijay Singh as saying,

Authorities are also tracing the employment of the 95 Indian-born children and are checking for any active ties with relatives in Pakistan.

While no deportation orders have been confirmed by the officials, their visa status remains under review.