India Advises Citizens to Return from Pakistan, Suspends All Visa Services After Pahalgam Terror Attack

India Advises Citizens to Return from Pakistan — In the wake of a brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s iconic tourist destination, Pahalgam, that left 26 people dead and several others grievously injured, India has taken a firm diplomatic and security step by suspending all visa services for Pakistani nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also issued a strong advisory for Indian citizens currently in Pakistan to return at the earliest.

This terror strike, carried out on Tuesday afternoon, targeted tourists who were enjoying leisure time in the lush meadows of Pahalgam. The massacre has sent shockwaves across the nation, bringing back painful memories of the 2019 Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives.

MEA Issues Urgent Advisory for Indian Citizens in Pakistan

In an official communication, the MEA stated:

“Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those currently in Pakistan should return to India at the earliest.”

This advisory comes as a part of India’s immediate national security measures following the incident. The move is also indicative of a rapidly escalating diplomatic rift between the two countries in the aftermath of the attack.

India Halts Visa Services for Pakistani Nationals

India has suspended all categories of visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. The Ministry has confirmed that:

• All existing valid Indian visas for Pakistani nationals stand revoked from April 27, 2025.
• Medical visas already issued will remain valid only till April 29, 2025.
• All Pakistani nationals currently in India have been asked to leave before their visa expiry date.

The MEA has made it clear that this decision reflects the growing security concerns in the wake of the terror attack and is aimed at safeguarding national interests.

Pahalgam Attack: A Grim Reminder

This is the first major terrorist incident in Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 and is being considered the deadliest since the Pulwama blast six years ago. According to security sources, the attackers opened fire on a group of tourists without provocation, causing chaos, death, and widespread fear.

Security has been beefed up across the Kashmir Valley and intelligence inputs are being closely monitored for potential follow-up threats.

What This Means Going Forward

This decisive step signals India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its sponsors. The suspension of visa services and the urgent advisory for Indian citizens in Pakistan also underline India’s serious diplomatic stance in response to terrorism emanating from across the border.

As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on how both nations proceed in the coming days — diplomatically, militarily, and at the international stage.