Amit Shah Directs All States to Identify Pakistani Nationals as India Revokes Visas
Following the revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals over the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all states to identify and repatriate Pakistanis residing in India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reached out to the chief ministers of all Indian states, directing them to identify Pakistani nationals currently residing within their jurisdictions and initiate steps for their repatriation. The move follows the Centre’s sweeping decision to revoke all existing visas granted to Pakistani nationals from April 27, barring exceptions for minority communities.
Sources said Shah’s instructions were issued following a high-level meeting with state chief secretaries. The action is part of a series of retaliatory measures taken by the Indian government in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially announced that all visas issued to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked from April 27. However, long-term visas issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals will remain valid. Medical visas will be honoured only until April 29.
“All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave before their visas expire,” the MEA said in a statement. The ministry also strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Pakistan.
The move to revoke visas comes amid a broader diplomatic and strategic crackdown on Pakistan. New Delhi has already suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect and expelled Pakistan’s military attachés. Additionally, India announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and the closure of the Attari land transit post.
These measures were finalised during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Government sources indicated that more actions could follow depending on Pakistan’s response to the terror incident.
The measures come after India blamed cross-border elements for the Pahalgam terror attack, where a group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran valley. Intelligence inputs have pointed to involvement by Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, including foreign nationals.
“This is a firm message to Pakistan and those who support terrorism,” a senior government official told The Headliner. “India will act decisively to protect its citizens.”
States are expected to submit their assessments to the Ministry of Home Affairs within the coming week. Central agencies have also been tasked with verifying foreign nationals’ documents and coordinating with state police for prompt action.
The MEA is also coordinating with Indian embassies abroad to assist citizens currently in Pakistan with safe return plans.
