In a significant escalation of its crackdown following the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all Chief Ministers to immediately identify and deport all Pakistani nationals residing in their states. The move comes a day after India cancelled all existing visas for citizens of the neighbouring country, marking a dramatic shift in Indo-Pak ties.
After a high-level security meeting on Friday, Shah instructed state governments to begin statewide verification drives and initiate swift deportation procedures.
“All Pakistani nationals currently residing in India must leave by April 27. An exception has been made only for those on medical visas, who are allowed to stay until April 29,” a Home Ministry spokesperson confirmed.
Centre Halts Visa Services, Warns Indians Against Pakistan Travel
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp directive on Thursday, announcing a complete suspension of visa services to Pakistani nationals, adding that no fresh applications will be entertained “until further notice.”
“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the government of India has suspended visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect,” the MEA stated.
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India also “strongly advised” Indian citizens against travelling to Pakistan, citing severe security risks.
India Launches Multipronged Offensive Post-Pahalgam Massacre
The latest measures come in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam district, where Pakistan-backed terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26 civilians, most of them Hindu male tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the heinous assault.
One assailant reportedly told a woman to “go tell Modi” before executing her relatives. The incident is being called the deadliest terror strike in the Valley since Pulwama (2019).
Attari Border Closed, Indus Treaty Suspended
- India has now activated a diplomatic and economic offensive against Islamabad:
- Indus Waters Treaty suspended, halting information exchange and project clearance protocols.
- All visas revoked for Pakistani nationals, including those for religious or medical purposes.
- Attari-Wagah land transit post shut down, effectively ceasing civilian land movement between the two countries.
- Diplomatic relations downgraded, with consular staff now reduced to minimal presence.
PM Modi Issues Stern Warning: “Every Terrorist Will Be Punished”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Thursday, declared that India will pursue every terrorist and their backers, irrespective of their location or political protection.
“India will identify and punish every terrorist and those behind them. The blood of our citizens will not go unavenged,” Modi said, echoing national anger.
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Sources within the government confirm that covert counter-terror operations and diplomatic offensives at the UN and FATF are underway to further isolate Pakistan on the global stage.
Nationwide Deportation Begins as States Respond
Several state governments, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi, have begun reviewing foreigner records and detaining Pakistani nationals for deportation. Officials say efforts will be swift and coordinated, prioritizing national security.
