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New Delhi ‘April 24 : In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Government of India has announced a complete suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Thursday, stating:
“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked from April 27, 2025.”
While medical visas will remain valid until April 29, Pakistani citizens currently in India have been asked to exit the country before the expiry of their amended visas.
The MEA also strongly advised Indian nationals against traveling to Pakistan, urging those already in Pakistan to return to India at the earliest.
This move comes after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national, and injuring several others. It marks the deadliest incident in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama terror strike.
During the emergency CCS meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the following countermeasures were approved:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) until Pakistan verifiably ends its support for cross-border terrorism.
- Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, halting movement across the border.
- Expulsion of Pakistani High Commission officials, who have been declared persona non grata and must leave India within a week.
- Cancellation of all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Pakistani nationals, who have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
These measures reflect a firm diplomatic and strategic stand by India to respond to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in supporting terrorism across the border.
