Amit Shah Orders Immediate Deportation of Pakistani Nationals Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

A day after India revoked all existing visas for Pakistani nationals, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed all Chief Ministers to swiftly identify and deport Pakistani citizens residing in their states. This firm directive came following a high-level security meeting with top officials, as tensions continue to escalate between the two nations after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Home Minister Amit Shah has vowed not to spare those behind the attack. PTI

In line with the Indian government’s robust response, Shah emphasized the urgency of the matter, calling for immediate action by state governments. The Centre has further instructed that all Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave by April 27. However, individuals holding medical visas have been granted a slight extension, with a deadline to exit by April 29.

“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Thursday. The Indian government also strongly advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Pakistan.

This move is part of a broader, multipronged strategy by India following the Pahalgam incident, where Pakistan-backed terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26. Reports from the attack site reveal that the assailants deliberately targeted Hindu male tourists. One survivor recalled how the terrorists demanded the Hindus recite the Azan before opening fire again, leaving several dead. One of the attackers allegedly told a woman to “go tell (Prime Minister) Modi,” highlighting the ideological undertones behind the violence.

Eyewitnesses stated that the terrorists justified their actions by claiming their religion was “in danger” because of Hindus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded strongly to the attack, asserting, “India will identify and punish every terrorist, and those behind them.”

India’s Diplomatic Offensive

India’s reaction has been swift and strategic. Apart from cancelling visas, the government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, expelled Pakistani military attachés, and shut down the Attari land-transit post. These actions were finalized during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by PM Modi. (From First Post)

Pakistan’s Countermeasures

In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines and labeled the suspension of the IWT as an “act of war.” Islamabad has also declared the suspension of the Shimla Agreement and all other bilateral agreements with India. Additionally, it closed the Wagah Border post immediately. These retaliatory measures were announced following a meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), the country’s apex security authority. (From India Today)

Conclusion

The developments mark a serious downturn in India-Pakistan relations, driven by the Pahalgam terror attack and its aftermath. With both nations engaging in firm diplomatic and strategic maneuvers, the situation remains tense. As India reinforces its internal security and tightens immigration enforcement, the international community watches closely, hoping for stability in a region historically marked by volatility.