Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued a directive to all chief ministers in India, instructing them to ensure that no Pakistani nationals remain in the country beyond the deadline set for their departure. This comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Following the attack on April 24, India announced the revocation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from April 27, urging Indian citizens residing in Pakistan to return home promptly. The decision to revoke visas does not apply to long-term visas issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which will remain valid.
Amit Shah personally contacted chief ministers across all states, tasking them with identifying Pakistani nationals within their jurisdictions and facilitating their deportation. The revocation of visas is a part of India’s response to the Pahalgam attack, the worst terror incident targeting civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Furthermore, Indian authorities announced the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC visa exemption scheme, giving those individuals currently in India under this scheme 48 hours to leave the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to identifying and punishing every terrorist and their supporters involved in the Pahalgam attack, pledging to pursue justice relentlessly.
During an all-party meeting, political leaders united in calling for decisive action against terrorism and terrorist camps, offering their unwavering support to the government. Additionally, India informed Pakistan of its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, citing Pakistan’s alleged breaches of the treaty conditions.
Water Resources Secretary Debashree Mukherjee conveyed India’s concerns to her Pakistani counterpart, emphasizing that Pakistan’s continued cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir undermines India’s rights under the Indus Waters Treaty. As tensions between the two nations escalate, India remains resolute in its pursuit of justice for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and in its efforts to combat terrorism.
