Curbing Cross-Border Ties: New Measures Post-Pahalgam Terror Attack
Identify Pakistan nationals amid Pahalgam terrorist attack: Requests Amit Shah to states
In response to the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, India has enacted a series of robust measures affecting Pakistani nationals residing in the country.
Visa Revocations and Eviction Orders
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed state chief ministers to identify and report all Pakistani nationals in their jurisdictions. Upon identification, their visas will be promptly canceled, and steps will be taken to ensure their immediate return to Pakistan. Recently, India revoked all valid visas issued to Pakistani citizens, effective from April 27, 2025 [1][3]. Even medical visas will expire on April 29.
Border Restrictions
The primary land border crossing between India and Pakistan has been closed, restricting cross-border movement [3].
Diplomatic Downgrade
India downgraded diplomatic relations, withdrawing visas for most Pakistani nationals, with exemptions only for remaining diplomats [3][2].
Advisories and Travel Warnings
Indian authorities have also issued advisories for their citizens in light of the escalating tensions [2].
Pakistan retaliated with similar measures, suspending visas for Indians (except Sikh pilgrims) and closing border posts [4]. Experts have warned that these diplomatic actions could signal a potential military escalation [3].
Notably, this string of events has created uncertainty among Pakistani nationals in India, particularly those on short-term visas.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Shah is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting on Friday to review the Indus Water Treaty, with Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and other senior officials attending the meeting [5]. India has formally notified Pakistan in writing about suspending the long-standing water-sharing treaty [6].
Sources:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-revokes-all-visas-issued-to-pakistanis/article30864171.ece
[2] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amit-shah-to-chair-high-level-meeting-on-friday-to-review-indus-water-treaty-3718801
[3] https://www.thediplomat.com/2025/04/indias-pakistan-policy-in-the-post-pahalgam-era/
[4] https://www.dawn.com/news/1626795
[5] https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/amit-shah-to-chair-high-level-meeting-on-friday-to-review-indus-water-treaty20250424223432/
[6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-formally-notifies-pakistan-of-suspending-long-standing-water-sharing-treaty/article30864207.ece
- The recent Pahalgam terror attack has led Pakistan to suspending visas for Indians, except for Sikh pilgrims, and closing border posts, mirroring India's actions.
- The closure of the primary border crossing between India and Pakistan has expanded the economic impact, given its role as a market for cross-border trade and finance.
- Experts warn that these escalating diplomatic actions serve as a harbinger of potential war-and-conflicts between the two nations, given the ongoing political tensions.
- The cross-border ties have come under strain not only due to the Pahalgam terror attack but also due to the uncertainty caused by the deadlines for expiring visas imposed by both nations.
- With the expiry dates of many Pakistani visas imminent, there is a general concern among Pakistani nationals living in India about their future and the potential closure of their businesses, given the ongoing political and economic landscape.
- Amidst this turbulent environment, it is important to note that Pakistan's actions also affect decentralized financial systems like DeFi, where transactions often require cross-border movement and have implications for Pakistan's nationals residing in India.
