India Halts Visa Services for Pakistani Nationals Immediately
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Synopsis
On April 24, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs announced the immediate suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals, following the Cabinet Committee on Security's decisions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. All existing visas are revoked, and Indian nationals are urged to avoid travel to Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- India suspends visa services for Pakistani nationals.
- All existing valid visas are revoked.
- Pakistani nationals must leave India before visa expiry.
- Indus Waters Treaty suspended until Pakistan stops terrorism.
- CCS condemns Pahalgam attack and vows to pursue justice.
New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has declared that India will suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect, following decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
"All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals are revoked effective from April 27, 2025. Medical visas granted to Pakistani nationals will remain valid only until April 29, 2025. Pakistani nationals currently in India are required to exit before the revised visa expiry dates," stated the MEA.
The statement further advised Indian nationals to refrain from traveling to Pakistan, urging those already present in Pakistan to return to India at the earliest opportunity.
In light of the severe implications of the Pahalgam terrorist incident, the CCS convened on Wednesday evening under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and resolved that Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed entry into India on SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani nationals are now cancelled, and any Pakistani national currently in India under this scheme has 48 hours to depart.
Furthermore, it was determined that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be suspended until Pakistan convincingly and permanently renounces its support for cross-border terrorism.
The CCS was briefed on the cross-border connections related to the terrorist attack, which occurred amidst a successful electoral process in the Union Territory and its ongoing economic development.
The CCS also announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post Attari, allowing those who have entered with valid endorsements to return through that route before May 1, 2025.
The Pahalgam terror attack resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen, with numerous others injured.
The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, affirming that those responsible will be brought to justice along with their backers.
"Following the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will relentlessly pursue those who have perpetrated or conspired to execute acts of terrorism," stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday.
