India Revokes All Pakistani Visas After Pahalgam Attack; Medical Visas Valid Until April 29
In a significant diplomatic escalation following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has revoked all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals and suspended visa services entirely.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that all visas granted to Pakistani nationals stand cancelled effective April 27, 2025. The directive comes in the wake of a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed.
“All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025,” the MEA stated.
Pakistani nationals currently in India have been directed to leave before the expiration of their respective visas. Meanwhile, Indian citizens have been strongly advised against travelling to Pakistan.
Even medical visas, which are typically extended on humanitarian grounds, have been restricted. The MEA clarified that these will remain valid only for a short window, up to April 29, allowing patients currently in India a few days to return.
The decision follows key recommendations made during the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting was convened to review India’s strategic response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
India has already downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelled military attaches, blocked SAARC visa privileges, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in a strong rebuke to what it views as Pakistan’s indirect complicity in the terror assault.
On April 22, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, killing 26 people, including a foreign national. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
India has accused Pakistan-based terror outfits of orchestrating the attack, prompting an unprecedented string of retaliatory diplomatic measures.
The MEA has not ruled out additional steps as the situation evolves. “Our response will remain firm and proportionate,” a senior official said.
