Jaishankar speaks at Quad meeting in Melbourne. (Getty/Darrian Traynor)
New Delhi, India – The Indian government has issued a new diplomatic directive requiring all Pakistani nationals currently in the country to leave before April 29, 2025. This move follows the recent Pahalgam terror attack that India blames on Islamabad.
Visa Suspensions Heighten India-Pakistan Strains
The announcement comes after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which Indian officials say was carried out by militants with backing from across the border. As part of the response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated:
“In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals, effectively halting future visits for civilian purposes. The order is intended to minimize the risk of further incidents and to control security threats posed by alleged cross-border terror groups.
The New Order May Affect Peaceful Pakistani Nationals
Indian authorities have made it clear that this move will affect all Pakistani nationals residing in India for various purposes, including tourists, students, and temporary workers.
However, the decision excludes Pakistani diplomats, who continue to serve in New Delhi as per diplomatic norms. Earlier this week, the Indian government reduced the number of diplomatic personnel at Pakistan’s High Commission following rising tensions.
India’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, has emphasized that this decision is a direct response to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack, which left multiple Indian soldiers dead.
The action has raised concerns about further deterioration of India-Pakistan relations, which have been historically tense due to long-standing territorial disputes and cross-border terrorism.
Diplomats Exempt from New Visa Rules
Notably, the visa suspension applies solely to civilians. Pakistani diplomats in India are not affected by this directive. This development follows recent orders from India to reduce the number of Pakistani diplomats stationed in New Delhi, part of broader measures to minimize any potential espionage or diplomatic incidents.
India’s government has indicated that it will continue monitoring diplomatic relations closely, maintaining pressure on Pakistan to address its alleged role in harboring militant groups. Pakistan, for its part, has denied any involvement in the attack, calling India’s accusations unsubstantiated.
Pahalgam Attack Sparks Crackdown
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred last week, targeted Indian paramilitary forces stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving at least five dead. Indian officials believe the perpetrators were linked to terrorist factions operating from within Pakistan. While no specific group has claimed responsibility, Indian authorities remain firm in their stance that Islamabad is accountable for harboring militant networks.
Security Measures Enforced Nationwide
In response to the rising threat from across the border, Indian officials have pledged to increase surveillance and enforce stricter border controls. The security apparatus in areas like Jammu and Kashmir is also being bolstered to prevent further attacks.
The Indian government said it continues to call for stronger international cooperation to curb terrorism in the region, looking to global bodies like the United Nations to impose stricter sanctions on Pakistan if it fails to take decisive action against cross-border militants.
