In a sweeping response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Central govt on Thursday announced the suspension of all visa services for Pakistani nationals, among a series of stringent diplomatic and security measures aimed at isolating Islamabad over its alleged support for terrorism.
Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs released a detailed directive outlining the new restrictions. All valid visas previously issued by India to Pakistani citizens stand revoked effective April 27. However, medical visas will remain valid only until April 29, offering a short grace period for humanitarian considerations.
The government further stated that all Pakistani nationals currently in India must exit the country before their visas expire under the revised rules. Indian citizens have been strongly advised against traveling to Pakistan, and those already in the country have been urged to return at the earliest.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing after the CCS meeting, emphasized that these measures represent India’s zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism. “These actions reflect the gravity of the situation and India’s commitment to hold both the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable,” Misri said.
One of the most consequential announcements was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a landmark 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank that governs water-sharing between the two countries. The treaty, which has survived multiple wars and political tensions, will remain suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,” Misri said.
Additionally, the Attari Integrated Check Post—one of the most active land crossings between India and Pakistan—has been closed with immediate effect. Pakistani nationals who entered India through this route with valid endorsements will be permitted to return home before May 1.
On the diplomatic front, India has declared defence, naval, and air advisors at Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata, requiring them to leave the country within seven days. India will also withdraw its own corresponding military advisors from the High Commission in Islamabad. The decision extends to support staff, with five members from each side set to be recalled.
The diplomatic downsizing will significantly reduce the staffing strength of both High Commissions—from 55 to 30—by May 1.
