NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD — In the wake of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India has taken sweeping measures against Pakistan, including revoking all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals and suspending visa services indefinitely. This decision, announced on Thursday by the Ministry of External Affairs, marks a sharp escalation in the already fraught relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The Indian government stated that all Pakistani nationals with valid visas must exit the country within the next 72 hours, while medical visas will remain valid only until April 29. However, long-term visas issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals will remain unaffected, the ministry clarified.

“All existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked with effect from Sunday, April 27,” read the official statement. “This includes medical visas, which will only be valid till Tuesday, April 29.”

Visa Services Suspended, Travel Advisory Issued

The Ministry also confirmed the complete suspension of all visa services for Pakistani citizens, effectively halting all future travel from Pakistan to India. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan have been urged to return immediately.

“Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those in Pakistan should return at the earliest,” the ministry said.

Broader Measures Announced on Security Grounds

These decisions come in the wake of Wednesday’s high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition to visa revocations, the Indian government:

• Suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
• Ordered all Pakistanis on such visas to exit within 48 hours.
• Halted the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures support for cross-border terrorism.”
• Closed the Integrated Check Post at Attari, with return allowed until May 1.
• Declared Pakistan’s military, naval, and air advisors in New Delhi “persona non grata” with a week to depart.
• Announced a reciprocal reduction in diplomatic staff, cutting high commission strength from 55 to 30 by May 1.

Pakistan Responds with Countermeasures

Pakistan reacted swiftly on Thursday, unveiling a list of retaliatory actions after a National Security Committee meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chief among them:

• Suspension of all bilateral agreements, including the landmark Simla Agreement.
• Immediate closure of Pakistani airspace to all Indian airlines.
• Complete shutdown of the Wagah Border Post and suspension of all India-related transit.
• Suspension of all trade with India, including indirect third-country trade.
• Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Indian nationals, except Sikh pilgrims.
• Expulsion of Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad by April 30.
• Reduction of Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30.

In a strongly worded warning, Islamabad declared that any interference with the Indus Waters Treaty would be “considered an Act of War and responded to with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power.”

Rising Regional Tensions

The tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions, border closures, and suspension of bilateral treaties reflect a significant downturn in India-Pakistan relations, with potential implications for regional stability. The Pahalgam attack has reignited long-standing accusations by New Delhi of Islamabad’s complicity in cross-border terrorism — charges that Pakistan denies.

With both nations hardening their stances, international observers are closely watching the situation for signs of de-escalation or further provocation.

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