India calls on all its citizens to leave Pakistan by April 29.

India calls on all its citizens to leave Pakistan by April 29.

In response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has implemented stringent measures to enhance security. The government has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and has issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens to leave Pakistan by April 29.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Wednesday to discuss the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed and over a dozen injured. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect [1].

All existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be revoked starting April 27, but medical visas will remain valid until April 29. Pakistani nationals currently in India are required to leave the country before their visas expire under the revised terms. Additionally, the Indian government has advised Indian nationals to refrain from traveling to Pakistan and those already in Pakistan to return to India as soon as possible [1].

India's diplomatic measures extend beyond visa suspensions. The government has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closed the integrated check post at Attari, and terminated the travel privileges under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Furthermore, visas already issued to Pakistani nationals have been revoked, and the Pakistan government's X account in India has been blocked. Pakistani citizens in India under the Special Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) were instructed to leave the country within 48 hours [1].

The recent developments highlight India's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens in the wake of the terrorist attack. The government's swift and decisive actions are aimed at preventing further incidents and maintaining national security.

References:

[1] Rimjhim Singh, "India suspends visa services for Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack," Business Standard, Apr 24 2025, https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/india-suspends-visa-services-pakistan-pahalgam-attack-125042400851_1.html