In a major diplomatic escalation, India has suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals, revoking existing valid visas across 14 categories with immediate effect. This move follows the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this week, in which 26 civilians were killed. Investigations have pointed to Pakistani linkages in the attack, prompting the Indian government to take a firm stance.

An order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Foreigners Division outlines the suspension of new visas in categories including SAARC visa, visa on arrival, business visa, film visa, journalist visa, transit visa, medical visa, conference visa, mountaineering visa, student visa, visitor visa, group tourist visa, pilgrim visa, and group pilgrim visa for minorities.

The order also sets strict exit deadlines for Pakistani nationals currently residing in India. Individuals holding visas in 12 of the affected categories must exit the country by April 27, while SAARC visa holders must leave by April 26, and medical visa holders by April 29. Those who fail to comply will be treated as overstaying foreign nationals and prosecuted under the newly enacted Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025.

Exceptions have been made for diplomatic and official visa holders, whose cases will be managed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Long-term visas issued to Pakistani nationals will remain valid, and India has clarified that the issuance of new diplomatic, official, and long-term visas will continue unaffected.

This visa suspension is part of a broader set of retaliatory measures taken by India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. Other actions include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani military attachés, and closure of the Attari land transit point, signaling a significant downturn in Indo-Pak diplomatic relations.