India cancels visas to Pak nationals, asks forces to stay alert

India on Wednesday took various definitive steps following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960; closure of the integrated check post Attari border with immediate effect; withdrawal of its defence, Navy and air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad; cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals; and slashing of the strength of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.

These measures were taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters after it concluded.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025, Misri said.

He added, “The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India.”

CCS, which reviewed the overall security situation in its meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, also instructed all forces to maintain high vigil.

Misri said that any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled, adding that any Pakistani national currently in India under a SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India. The Foreign Secretary also said that the overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions by May 1.

CCS pointed out that the attack in South Kashmir came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured, Misri said.

Misri also said, “Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, CCS decided upon the following measures: The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”

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