In response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Government of India has suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect, according to an announcement made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday, 24 April.
The MEA stated that all existing visas granted to Pakistani nationals will be revoked effective 27 April 2025. However, medical visas will remain valid until 29 April 2025. Pakistani nationals in India have been directed to leave the country before their revised visa deadlines.
In addition, Indian citizens have been strongly advised against travelling to Pakistan, and those already in the country have been urged to return at the earliest opportunity.
The decision follows a series of security measures taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, most of whom were tourists.
As part of its broader response, the Indian government has also placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, closed the integrated check post at the Attari border, and initiated a reduction in the staff strength at both Indian and Pakistani high commissions.
Prime Minister Modi, speaking from Bihar, condemned the attack and vowed that the perpetrators and their backers would face justice.
"India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished," said the Prime Minister.
