Saturday, March 29, 2025
Amit Shah Directs All Chief Ministers to Identify Pakistanis in India, Visa Cancellations Ordered
New Delhi | April 25, 2025 : In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with all Chief Ministers across India, instructing them to identify all Pakistani nationals residing in their respective states. He emphasized that the information must be shared with the central government so that their visas can be immediately cancelled.
Shah also directed state leaders to take urgent steps to ensure the swift return of these individuals to Pakistan. This move follows the April 24 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 innocent people, mostly civilians, were killed.
On Wednesday, the Indian government announced the suspension of travel permissions for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Those currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
All Pakistani Visas Cancelled from April 27
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a press release on April 24 stating that all visas issued to Pakistani citizens will be cancelled starting April 27, with the exception of medical visas, which will remain valid until April 29. All Pakistanis currently in India have been instructed to leave before their visas expire, as per the new guidelines.
High-Level Meeting on Indus Water Treaty Also Held
Alongside these security measures, Amit Shah chaired a key meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty at his residence. The meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and other senior officials. Sources told ANI that India has officially sent written notification to Pakistan regarding the suspension of the treaty.
These steps are part of the Indian government’s broader strategy to combat terrorism and strengthen national security following the deadly Pahalgam attack.
