Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered all state Chief Ministers to identify and revoke the visas of Pakistani citizens, a move taken in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued a crucial directive to all state Chief Ministers on Friday. He instructed all states to identify citizens linked to Pakistan. This order comes amidst rising tensions between Pakistan and India following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the order?
Home Minister Amit Shah instructed all Chief Ministers to compile a list of Pakistani citizens residing in their respective states and submit it to the central government. Based on this list, the central government will immediately revoke the visas of these citizens and deport them from India.
Increased Tension Following the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen. This attack is considered one of the deadliest in the Kashmir Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack. India has blamed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for this attack.
India Takes Strong Measures
In response to the terrorist attack, India has taken several b measures. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border crossing, expelling Pakistani military officials, and revoking the visas of all Pakistani citizens.
Visa Revocation Process
According to Home Ministry officials, all existing visas for Pakistanis will be revoked from April 27, 2025. However, medical visas will remain valid until April 29, 2025. The central government has urged states to ensure there are no delays in this process and to maintain law and order.
Increased Diplomatic Tension with Pakistan
Following the attack, India further downgraded its diplomatic relations with Pakistan. India expelled Pakistani military advisors and reduced the number of staff at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Pakistan has termed India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as a "war action."
