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News18
05-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Reapply Or Leave': India Issues Fresh Directive For Pakistanis On Long-Term Visa
Last Updated: The order also states that applicants must submit the following documents: a copy of their valid Long Term Visa certificate Pakistani nationals living in India on Long Term Visas (LTVs) who have not obtained Indian citizenship have been asked to reapply for their visas. In its order, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the window to reapply for LTVs is from May 10 to July 10. Any Pakistani national who fails to reapply within this period will have their LTV cancelled, according to the MHA order. In a series of stern measures against Pakistan, a day after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Government of India announced that Pakistani nationals would not be allowed to travel to India, and those currently in the country on short-term visas must leave within 48 hours. Now, in a fresh directive, the Indian government has made it clear that those on LTVs will also be required to reapply. This move signals the government's intent to reconsider whether such visas should be extended or reissued. The MHA order reads, 'The Government has decided that all Pakistani nationals holding a Long Term Visa and who have not obtained Indian citizenship, shall be required to apply afresh." The order also states that applicants must submit the following documents: a copy of their valid Long Term Visa certificate, a recent photograph, address proof, details of their profession and religion, and a copy of their application if they have applied for Indian citizenship. Furthermore, the order mentions that the application form for reapplying for a Long Term Visa will be available on the portal [ starting May 10, 2025, and will remain open until July 10, 2025. 'The Long Term Visa of any Pakistani national, who fails to reapply in the said period, shall be cancelled," the order stated. Earlier, following the barbaric attack in Pahalgam, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had advised Indian nationals in Pakistan to return at the earliest. An MEA statement had said, 'All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended. Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest." India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also briefed the press after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, stating that Pakistani nationals would no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Any SPES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are now deemed cancelled. He further added that any Pakistani national currently in India under a SPES visa has 48 hours to leave the country. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 05, 2025, 22:23 IST
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mehbooba Mufti says deportation of Pakistanis in Pahalgam attack aftermath 'humanitarian concern'
NEW DELHI: opposition leader on Tuesday called the central government's move to deport Pakistani nationals in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack a " humanitarian concern " and urged the Centre to adopt a " compassionate approach ". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The recent government directive to deport all Pakistani nationals from India has raised serious humanitarian concerns, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir. Many affected are women who came to India 30–40 years ago, married Indian citizens, raised families, and have long been part of our society," Mufti wrote on X. The J&K PDP chief said deporting Pakistanis who lived peacefully for decades would "inflict deep emotional and physical distress on families who now know no other home". "We urge the government to reconsider this decision, and adopt a compassionate approach regarding, women , children and elderly. Deporting individuals who have lived peacefully in India for decades would not only be inhumane but would inflict deep emotional and physical distress on families who now know no other home," the former J&K chief minister added. The central government has suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals after the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. "In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) 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 said. The ministry also advised all Indian nationals in Pakistan to return at the earliest and warned Pakistani citizens in India to leave before the expiry date of their amended visas, which was April 27, and April 29 for medical visas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Foreign secretary Vikram Misri also announced that Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. "Any SPES visas issued earlier stand cancelled. Those currently in India on SPES visas must leave within 48 hours," he said.
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Business Standard
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Identify Pakistani nationals, ensure their return': Amit Shah to CMs
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday issued a strong directive to all chief ministers, asking them to identify Pakistani nationals residing in their respective states and take immediate action to ensure their departure from the country. This comes in the wake of heightened security concerns following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. According to a report by news agency ANI, Shah's directive is part of a broader security crackdown initiated by the central government after the attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Just a day prior, the Centre had announced the suspension of all visa services for Pakistani nationals, with the exception of medical visas, which will remain valid until April 29. 'In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) 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. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri added another layer to the government's firm stance by announcing the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. 'Any SPES visas issued earlier stand cancelled. Those currently in India on SPES visas must leave within 48 hours,' Misri said. These steps come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in his first public statement following the Pahalgam terror incident. Speaking at a rally in Bihar, PM Modi condemned the attack and assured the public of swift and decisive action. 'India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth,' said PM Modi. 'India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve,' he added.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Identify Pakistani nationals in states, ensure their prompt return to Pakistan: Union home minister Amit Shah to CMs
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all chief ministers to identify and ensure the exit of Pakistani nationals residing in their states. NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday reached out to all chief ministers, directing them to identify Pakistani nationals residing in their states and initiate steps to ensure their exit from the country, news agency ANI reported. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The Centre had a day earlier suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals, except for medical visas, which will remain valid till April 29. "In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) 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 said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ready-to-Move In 2/3 BHK @ ₹5400/Sqft Undo Just 10 min to Annanagar Undo Fully equipped with Modern amenities Undo The ministry further advised all Indian nationals in Pakistan to return at the earliest and warned Pakistani citizens in India to leave before the expiry of their amended visas. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri also announced that Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. "Any SPES visas issued earlier stand cancelled. Those currently in India on SPES visas must leave within 48 hours," he said. The strong measures come after PM Narendra Modi, in his first public address following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. "The punishment will be significant and stringent — beyond what these terrorists could ever imagine," Modi said at a rally in Bihar. "India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. Our spirit will not be broken by terrorism."
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Can't be expected to continue to cooperate': Indian embassy in US on India freezing Indus Water Treaty amid Pahalgam terror attack
NEW DELHI: Indian embassy in Washington on Friday issued a statement defending its decision to freeze the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, and asserting that cooperation cannot continue with a nation responsible for civilian casualties. In a statement issued in the the wake of brutal terrorists attack in J&K's Pahalgam, India said that Pakistan ,through its well-documented , state-sponsored terrorism has corroded the spirit of the treaty. "The Indus Water Treaty was concluded by India with Pakistan in a spirit of goodwill and friendship in 1960. Pakistan through its well- documented, state-sponsored terrorism directed against India has corroded this spirit," the statement read. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "India cannot be expected to continue to cooperate with a country which is responsible for killing innocent civilians," it added. This comes after India formally communicated to Pakistan that the 1960 treaty will be held in abeyance with immediate effect. "The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir," Jalshakti ministry secretary Debashree Mukherjee said in a letter marked to her Pakistan counterpart Syed Ali Murtaza. Earlier, Pakistan said any attempt to divert water meant for it under the Indus Waters Treaty will be an "act of war." India on Wednesday had announced a series of strong retaliatory measures targeting Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism, after the deadly terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam. Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined the steps during a special press conference. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan ceases support for terrorism. Additionally, the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed immediately, with only those who have valid travel endorsements allowed to return via that route by 1 May 2025. Pakistan nationals are also barred from travelling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and any previously issued SPES visas are now cancelled. Those currently in India on such visas must leave within 48 hours. India has declared all defence, military, naval, and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata, giving them one week to leave. Similarly, India will withdraw its own defence advisors from Islamabad.
