New Delhi, April 25, 2025: In the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Indian authorities have launched a series of sweeping actions targeting Pakistani nationals, including the suspension of all visas, deportation orders, and the initiation of steps to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, according to India Today.
Following a high-level security meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, all chief ministers across Indian states were instructed to “identify and remove” Pakistani citizens residing within their jurisdictions. The directive applies to all visa categories, with the exception of medical visa holders, who have been granted a grace period until April 29 to leave the country.
These decisions are part of a broader security response after what Indian officials have called a terrorist attack targeting Hindu pilgrims at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The attack claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national, with several others injured.
On Wednesday, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security had already approved a raft of retaliatory measures, including closure of the Attari land border transit point, suspension of visa services for Pakistanis, travel advisory warning Indian citizens against visiting Pakistan and formal notification to Islamabad of India’s intent to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty
In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) convened on Thursday, warning that any attempt by India to block water flow into Pakistan under the treaty would be considered an act of war. The NSC also confirmed the closure of the Wagah border as a reciprocal measure.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Senate on Friday unanimously passed a resolution rejecting India’s allegations as “baseless and politically motivated,” stating that Pakistan had no connection to the Pahalgam incident.