In an assertive step following the horrific Pahalgam terror strike that killed 26 people, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday issued a clarification regarding cancellation of visas.
The government made it clear that the visa cancellation does not extend to the Long Term Visas (LTVs) already issued to Hindu Pakistani citizens.
With tensions rising between India and Pakistan, New Delhi has called for Indian citizens residing in Pakistan to return to the country at the earliest.
This is part of a broader strategy of downgrading diplomatic relations, including halting visas and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty temporarily.
The Ministry made the announcement after the Centre announced it would revoke visas issued to Pakistani nationals starting from April 27.
Pakistani nationals had been granted medical visas, which would now be effective only until April 29.
These were decisions made at a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The Ministry explained further that all visas already granted to Pakistani nationals would be revoked from April 27.
Pakistani nationals already in India have been asked to go back to their country before their visas expire.
Indian nationals, also, have been cautioned to strongly avoid traveling to Pakistan.
As per the Cabinet Committee decisions, visa operations for Pakistani nationals have been halted with immediate effect.
Pakistan responded by stating on Thursday that it would close its air space to all Indian air carriers and suspend trade with India, including through third countries.
Pakistan also condemned India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any effort to stop the flow of water allotted to Pakistan under the treaty would be taken as an act of war.
There is to be a high-level meeting on Friday afternoon at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence in New Delhi to discuss the Indus Waters Treaty.
Several Union Ministers, such as Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, will be present in this crucial discussion.
With people's outrage against the terror attack continuing to increase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a hard speech on Thursday and promised to track down the culprits of the attack.
Addressing a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, PM Modi claimed, "Friends, today from the land of Bihar, I tell the whole world: India will identify, pursue, and punish all terrorists and their supporters."
He assured the nation that India's resolve would never waver to fight terrorism.
Read also| Pahalgam Terror Attack: 5 Militants Identified, Including 3 Pakistanis and 2 Kashmiris
