The Indian government has stopped issuing visas to Pakistani nationals starting Thursday. This move came after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that all valid visas given to Pakistanis will no longer be valid after April 27, 2025. Additionally, medical visas will stay valid only till April 29, 2025.

Pakistani nationals asked to leave India

Moreover, the MEA said in its statement that all Pakistani citizens currently in India must leave before their amended visa deadlines.

"In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security 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 existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025," the official statement said.

Indians Warned Against Travelling to Pakistan

Furthermore, the government strongly advised Indian citizens to avoid going to Pakistan. It also urged those already in Pakistan to come back without delay.

"Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest," the statement added.

Pahalgam Terror Attack Sparks Strong Action

Terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 people. Most victims were tourists. Following the attack, India took five strict measures against Pakistan.

These include:

• Putting the Indus Waters Treaty on hold

• Closing the Attari-Wagah border check post

• Reducing diplomatic staff at both high commissions

• Suspending SAARC visa services for Pakistani nationals

• Declaring Pakistani military advisors persona non grata

PM Modi Promises Harsh Response

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack. He promised to hunt down and punish those behind it.

Speaking from Bihar, he said,
"Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world. India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished."