Amit Shah Calls for Identification of Pakistanis in India as Medical Visas Set to End April 29

In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reached out to all chief ministers, urging them to identify Pakistani nationals residing in their respective states. Shah instructed the chief ministers to report all Pakistani nationals to the Centre for immediate visa cancellation. He also urged them to take necessary measures to facilitate their swift return to Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the Indian government declared that Pakistani nationals would no longer be allowed to enter India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Those currently in India under the SVES have been given 48 hours to leave the country.  Additionally, a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on April 24 stated that all valid visas previously granted to Pakistani nationals will be revoked starting April 27.

"Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29. All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended," a press release said. This directive follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, the majority of whom were civilians.

In the meantime, the Centre’s directive requiring Pakistani nationals who entered India on SAARC visas to leave the country has sparked confusion among the general public, particularly those staying on short-term visas. Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to convene a meeting at his residence on Friday to discuss matters related to the Indus Waters Treaty.

Along with Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, several senior government officials are expected to be present at the meeting. According to sources, India has officially informed Pakistan in writing about the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.