In the wake of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday spoke with all state chief ministers, directing them to identify and report Pakistani nationals residing in their respective states.
According to officials, Shah has asked the states to inform the Centre of all Pakistani nationals so that their visas can be cancelled immediately. He further instructed that steps be taken to ensure their prompt return to Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier announced that India has revoked all existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals, effective from April 27. A press release issued on April 24 clarified that even medical visas will remain valid only until April 29. “All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave before the expiry of visas, as now amended,” it added.
Additionally, Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to enter India under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme. Those already in India under SVES have been given a 48-hour window to exit.
The sweeping measures have triggered uncertainty among Pakistani nationals in India, particularly those on short-term visas.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Shah is also scheduled to chair a high-level meeting on Friday to review the Indus Water Treaty. Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and other senior officials will attend the meeting. According to sources quoted by ANI, India has formally notified Pakistan in writing about suspending the long-standing water-sharing treaty.
These developments mark a significant escalation in diplomatic and administrative responses following the deadly Pahalgam attack.