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Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: The Government of India has clarified that this rule of visa suspension will not apply to Pakistani Hindu citizens who are living in India under long -term visas.
Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: After the recent deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India has taken a tough stand and postponed all visa services for Pakistani citizens with immediate effect. According to this decision based on the recommendation of the Cabinet Committee of Security Affairs (CCS), all the current valid Indian visas of Pakistani citizens will be invalid from 27 April 2025. However, this ban will not apply to Pakistani Hindu citizens who are residing in India on long -term visas.
Announcement of Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, saying, “In view of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, on the instructions of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani citizens with immediate effect. All the existing valid visas will be canceled from 27 April 2025.” The ministry also informed that medical visas issued to Pakistani citizens will be valid only till 29 April 2025.
The ministry has instructed all Pakistani citizens present in India to leave the country before the revised visa period ends. Also, Indian citizens have been appealed to avoid visiting Pakistan in view of the current circumstances. The statement further said, “Indian citizens present in Pakistan are advised to return to India as soon as possible.”
Relief to Pakistani Hindus
The Government of India has clarified that this rule of visa suspension will not be applicable to Pakistani Hindu citizens who are living in India under long -term visas. These citizens, who have come to India mainly due to religious oppression in Pakistan, will remain free from this policy. This decision reflects India’s human policies, which prefer sensitivity to minority communities.
Stress is made from Pahalgam attack
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025 shook the country. 26 people died in this attack, most of whom were tourists, and many others were injured. After the cancellation of Article 370, it is considered one of the biggest terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the government has not yet officially confirmed the death toll.
After the attack, security forces have launched a comprehensive campaign in search of terrorists. The security system in Jammu and Kashmir has been tightened. The markets and roads of Pahalgam, who are full of tourists, are now looking deserted. Many organizations called for a bandh in Jammu to protest against the attack, affecting the general life in the area.
New twist in India-Pakistan relations
India has blamed Pakistan -backed terrorist organizations for the Pahalgam attack. In response, India has taken many strict steps, including suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, cuts in diplomatic relations, and now ban on visa services. On the other hand, Pakistan has announced India’s steps to stop trade, Shimla Agreement, and movement along the Wagah border, calling these steps of India “as war”.
