In the wake of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Indian government has rolled out a series of retaliatory measures targeting Pakistan. However, a key clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs has drawn a distinct line between punitive visa restrictions and humanitarian commitments.

On 24 April 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced that all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked from 27 April. Visa services to Pakistani nationals have been suspended indefinitely. The only temporary exemption is for medical visas, which will remain valid until 29 April. Pakistani nationals currently in India have been ordered to leave before their visas expire under the amended rules.

However, in a separate statement issued the same day, the government confirmed that *Long Term Visas (LTVs)* already granted to Hindu Pakistani nationals will remain valid. The Ministry clarified that the broader visa revocation directive does **not** apply to these individuals, offering assurance to a vulnerable community often fleeing religious persecution.

This clarification comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following the 22 April terror attack in Baisaran meadow, near Pahalgam, where gunmen disguised as policemen opened fire on tourists. The attack left 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen dead, and over 20 others injured. The Resistance Front, a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

The CCS, responding swiftly, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and cancelled SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) privileges for Pakistani nationals. Those in India on SVES visas have been given 48 hours to exit the country.

Additionally, both nations will reduce their High Commission staff from 55 to 30 by 1 May. Military and defence advisors posted in each other’s capitals have been declared persona non grata, with a week to leave their host nations.

Prime Minister Modi cut short his Saudi visit, and Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar to oversee the situation on the ground. Security forces remain on high alert, and joint operations involving the army and police are ongoing in the region.

India has also cited international condemnation of the attack as validation of its tough stance. In a show of resolve, the CCS referenced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, vowing to pursue all those responsible for planning or supporting terror against India.

Meanwhile, the Opposition has extended full support to the government following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead. After an all-party meeting, Rahul Gandhi said all political parties had “uniformly condemned” the massacre and backed the government to take “any action”. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged for peace in Jammu and Kashmir, while Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhyay called for a united national front against terrorism. Gandhi will visit Anantnag tomorrow to meet the injured. As tensions escalate, India has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, while Pakistan has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the 1972 Simla pact.