Crackdown Intensifies After Terror Attack: Visas Cancelled, Diplomats Expelled, Attari Border Sealed
A day after suspending visa services for Pakistani nationals, the Indian government has taken a major step toward tightening its borders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed all states and union territories to identify and deport Pakistani nationals living in India under 14 specific visa categories, including those issued for film, journalism, business, pilgrimage, and education.
This strong measure follows the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people — mostly tourists. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that this order does not apply to long-term, diplomatic, or official visas. However, it includes medical and student visas, which now have strict deadlines for exit.
Visa Exit Deadlines Announced
According to the MHA’s official order:
All Pakistani nationals under the 14 categories must exit by April 26.
Group pilgrim and tourist visa holders must leave by April 27.
Medical visa holders have until April 29 to exit India.
States like Gujarat and Odisha have already begun the process of tracking and notifying Pakistani nationals currently residing under these visa categories.
Strict Compliance Ordered
At a high-level video conference held Friday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan instructed all Chief Secretaries of states and union territories to ensure strict and immediate compliance. “All existing visas, except Long Term, Diplomatic, and Official, stand revoked with effect from April 27,” an official stated.
The MHA has also directed the Ministry of External Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration to take all necessary steps to implement this directive without delay.
This move signals a major escalation in India’s security posture following the Pahalgam attack, aiming to minimize any possible internal threats.
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