JAMMU, April 25: A day after India revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday held discussions with Chief Ministers across the country. During these interactions, Shah directed state governments to identify Pakistani nationals residing in their jurisdictions and to take necessary steps to ensure their prompt return to Pakistan.
The Home Minister’s directive is part of a broader national security strategy adopted following the recent attack, which has sparked widespread condemnation and a flurry of diplomatic actions by the Indian government.
Later this evening, Amit Shah is also scheduled to chair a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review the Indus Waters Treaty. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, along with other senior officials, is expected to participate in the meeting. This development signals a potential shift in India’s approach to the long-standing water-sharing agreement with Pakistan.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the central government has rolled out a series of tough measures. These include the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, and a directive requiring them to leave India within 40 hours. Additionally, the government announced a downsizing of diplomatic staff in both countries’ High Commissions.
