India tightens actions against Pakistani nationals

New Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah made calls to the chief ministers of all states on Friday, urging them to ensure that no Pakistani stays in India beyond the specified deadline. According to sources, the Home Minister emphasized the importance of enforcing this order and asked the state officials to identify and deport any Pakistani nationals living in their areas.

India had earlier announced that all visas issued to Pakistani nationals would be revoked by April 27. Additionally, Indian nationals living in Pakistan were advised to return home as soon as possible, amidst rising tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mainly tourists, on Tuesday.

The revocation of visas, however, will not affect long-term visas already granted to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which "remain valid." India's decision also included suspending visa services to Pakistanis immediately, while halting travel under the SAARC visa exemption scheme. Pakistani nationals already in India under this scheme were given 48 hours to leave the country, with the deadline ending on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to take strong action against the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, declaring that India will "identify, track, and punish" the terrorists and their "backers." He assured that terrorism would not go "unpunished" and that India would pursue justice relentlessly.

India has also informed Pakistan about suspending the Indus Waters Treaty due to violations, citing Pakistan's ongoing cross-border terrorism.