Image Source: NPR
India has declared a comprehensive suspension of all visa services for Pakistani citizens and cancelled all previously issued visas, including medical visas, following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sent a series of instructions on April 24, 2025, which represents the most stringent diplomatic and people-to-people restrictions between the two nations in recent times.
All Visas Cancelled, Medical Visas Remain Valid Till April 29:
As from April 27, 2025, all valid Indian visas granted to Pakistani citizens are revoked. Medical visas will only be valid till April 29, 2025, giving individuals in India for treatment a narrow window of time to leave.
Urgent Suspension of Visa Services:
India has suspended all types of visa services to Pakistanis with immediate effect. New visas will not be granted, and existing visas stand revoked.
Pakistani Nationals Ordered to Depart:
All Pakistani citizens in India have been ordered to depart prior to their revised visa expiry dates. Those who are under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) have to leave the country within 48 hours.
Indian Nationals in Pakistan Directed to Return:
The MEA has strongly advised Indian citizens in Pakistan to return at the earliest and cautioned against any non-essential travel to the country.
Closure of Attari Border and Diplomatic Downsizing:
India has shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect, limiting cross-border travel. Diplomatic relations are being reduced, defence and military advisors being declared persona non grata and asked to vacate within a week. Both nations will cut their High Commission staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1.
Context: Retaliation for Pahalgam Terror Attack
These decisions come after the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which Indian officials have attributed to cross-border terrorism. The Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made these decisions following an emergency security review.
International Support:
The government of India recognized firm international denunciation of the attack and messages of solidarity from various nations.
"All the valid visas granted by India to Pakistani nationals are revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas granted to Pakistani nationals are valid only up to 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are already in India should depart from India prior to the expiry of visas, as now amended," the MEA said.
These unprecedented measures constitute a dramatic heightening of India-Pakistan ties to a new level, with deepening implications for cross-border travel, medical tourism, and diplomatic interaction.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, NewsOnAir, Indian Express, NDTV, Onmanorama
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