In a strong diplomatic response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and suspended all ongoing visa services. This decision, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (April 24, 2025), comes days after a devastating terror strike killed 26 people in Jammu & Kashmir.
According to the ministry’s statement, all existing valid Indian visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including medical visas, will be revoked starting Sunday, April 27. Medical visas will remain valid only until Tuesday, April 29. Pakistani nationals currently in India have been asked to exit the country before their visa expiry, based on the new deadlines—effectively giving most of them just 72 hours to leave.
Additionally, all visa services for Pakistani residents have been suspended. This includes the denial of fresh visas, and all existing travel documents issued by India to Pakistani citizens will no longer be considered valid.
“Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those currently in Pakistan are urged to return to India at the earliest,” the statement added.
Measures Announced Earlier
These new steps follow a series of decisive actions taken on Wednesday by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, detailed India’s measures in response to cross-border terrorism.
Key announcements included:
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Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. Those already in India on SAARC visas must leave within 48 hours.
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Temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably ends its support for terrorism.”
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Closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, effective immediately. Pakistanis who entered India through valid endorsements may return by May 1.
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Diplomatic downgrades: Defence, naval, and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared “persona non grata” and must leave within a week. India will reciprocate by recalling its military attaches from Islamabad.
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The staff strength at both high commissions (New Delhi and Islamabad) will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1.
These moves mark one of the strongest diplomatic pushbacks by India in recent years, reflecting the country’s firm stance against terrorism and cross-border aggression.