Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached out to all Chief Ministers across the country, urging them to identify and take action against Pakistani nationals residing illegally in India.
In the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday held urgent talks with all state Chief Ministers, directing them to identify Pakistani nationals residing in their respective states. Shah emphasised the need for immediate reporting to the Centre so that necessary visa cancellations could be initiated, urging swift action to ensure their return to Pakistan.
The government has also announced a major policy shift—Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed entry into India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Those already in the country under this scheme have been given a 48-hour deadline to leave.
On April 24, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement confirming that all existing valid Indian visas held by Pakistani citizens will be revoked starting April 27. Medical visas, however, will remain valid only until April 29. Under the newly amended regulations, all Pakistani nationals must exit India before their visas expire.
The move follows a brutal terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The decision has sparked confusion and anxiety, particularly among Pakistani nationals on short-term visas, as the government’s directives ripple across the country.