India halts visas for Pakistani nationals amid rising tensions over Pahalgam terror attack

In a sweeping move underscoring the deepening diplomatic rift between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has announced the immediate suspension of all visa services to Pakistani nationals, effective April 27.

The decision follows a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including civilians and tourists, and has sparked nationwide outrage.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the move is a direct response to the Pahalgam massacre and aligns with decisions taken by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security. “In continuation of the decisions made... the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect,” the MEA announced on April 24.

All existing Indian visas held by Pakistani nationals will be rendered void starting April 27. Exceptions include medical visas, which will remain valid until April 29. Pakistani citizens currently in India are required to leave the country before their visas expire under the revised conditions.

India also issued a travel advisory to its citizens, warning against travel to Pakistan and urging Indian nationals currently in the country to return home “at the earliest.”

Pahalgam attack: A grim turning point

The visa suspension comes just days after a coordinated militant assault shook the popular hill town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on a crowded tourist market and a nearby bus carrying visitors, killing 26 and injuring over 40 others. Among the dead were nine tourists from Gujarat and Maharashtra, as well as several locals.

While no group has formally claimed responsibility, Indian security officials have pointed to cross-border terror networks allegedly operating from Pakistan. Investigations are ongoing, but early intelligence suggests involvement of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Cowardly act of terror: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of terror,” vowing that those responsible “will not go unpunished.” In an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, top officials reviewed counterterrorism measures and bilateral diplomatic strategy.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, issued a statement denying any involvement and called for “objective investigations free from politicization.” The statement accused India of using the incident to justify aggressive diplomatic moves.

International reaction has been measured but concerned. The United Nations called for restraint and urged both nations to “prioritize peace and dialogue,” while the US expressed solidarity with India and condemned terrorism “in all its forms.”

India’s suspension of visas signals a hardening stance that may mark a turning point in bilateral relations, already strained by years of cross-border tensions and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.