-In a significant diplomatic move, India announced on Friday the immediate suspension of all visa services for Pakistani nationals. This includes the revocation of all existing valid visas, except for long-term, diplomatic, and official visas. The decision comes in response to the revelation of Pakistani linkages in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 civilians earlier this week.
The order, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Foreigners Division, clarifies that no new visas will be granted to Pakistani citizens across 14 categories. These categories encompass a wide range of visas, including SAARC visas, business visas, film visas, journalist visas, medical visas, and student visas, among others. Pakistani nationals currently holding visas under the affected categories are required to leave India by specified deadlines, with SAARC visa holders given a deadline of April 26, medical visa holders by April 29, and other visa holders by April 27.
Failure to comply with these deadlines will result in individuals being treated as overstaying foreign nationals, facing potential legal consequences under the newly enacted Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025.
Diplomatic and official visa holders are exempt from these exit deadlines, and their cases will be handled separately by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, long-term visas issued to Pakistani citizens will remain valid, and there are no restrictions on the issuance of new diplomatic, official, or long-term visas.
This suspension of visa services forms part of a broader series of diplomatic measures announced by India in response to escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack. Other steps taken include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, and the closure of the Attari land transit post. The measures reflect India’s firm stance on addressing security concerns and its growing frustration with Pakistan’s alleged involvement in acts of terrorism on Indian soil.
As tensions between the two neighboring nations continue to rise, this latest move underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its national security and enforcing strict actions in the face of perceived threats.
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