New Delhi (National Times): In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security has approved immediate changes to its visa regime with Pakistan. It comes amid rising tension between the two countries. India on Wednesday announced a set of restrictions against Pakistan and in continuation to its previous decisions, India has come with more visa restrictions against Pakistan.
Suspension of All Pakistani Visa Services
- No new visas will be issued; consular services for Pakistan are effectively halted as of today.
Revocation of Existing Visas (Effective April 27, 2025)
- All previously valid visas—tourist, business, student—held by Pakistani nationals are cancelled.
Medical Visa Grace Period
- Holders of medical visas may stay only until April 29, 2025, after which they must depart or risk overstaying.
Mandatory Departure for Pakistani Nationals
- Those currently in India must exit before their revised visa expiration.
Advisory to Indian Citizens
- Do not travel to Pakistan.
- Return immediately if already in Pakistan.
These measures aim to tighten security following the Pahalgam attack, signaling India’s firm stance on terrorism while balancing humanitarian considerations—for example, a brief medical-visa extension. The Ministry of Home Affairs and MEA are coordinating closely to implement these orders and assist affected travelers.
