Pakistan Condemns India’s Revocation of Visas for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistan has strongly condemned India’s recent decision to revoke visas for Pakistani nationals, describing the move as a violation of international norms and a humanitarian crisis. The revocation has left numerous Pakistani citizens stranded in India, disrupting their lives and causing significant distress.

Background of the Visa Revocation

The Indian government’s decision to cancel all visas issued to Pakistani nationals was announced on April 23, 2025, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly Hindu tourists. India attributed the attack to a militant group believed to have links to Pakistan-based organizations, leading to heightened tensions between the two countries. In response, India expelled Pakistani diplomats, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and imposed a travel ban on Pakistani nationals.

Pakistan’s Response

Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and has called for an impartial international investigation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing deep concern over the humanitarian implications of India’s visa revocation, highlighting that many Pakistani nationals, including patients undergoing medical treatment, were forced to return without completing their procedures. Reports have also emerged of families being separated, with children left without one of their parents. The Ministry confirmed that the last official date for crossing the Wagah-Attari border was April 30, 2025, but some Pakistani nationals remain stranded at Attari on the Indian side.

Humanitarian Impact

The visa revocation has had severe consequences for Pakistani nationals residing in India. Individuals who had been living in India for years, some with families and established livelihoods, now face uncertainty and potential deportation. In one case, a 62-year-old woman, Nusarat Firoz, expressed her despair, stating she would rather die in India than return to Pakistan, as she has spent over a decade there with her children and has no ties left in Pakistan. Similarly, Waziha from Karachi, married to an Indian national, has been residing in India since 2012 and now faces the prospect of separation from her family. These personal stories underscore the profound human cost of the diplomatic rift between the two nations.

Diplomatic Implications

The revocation of visas and the subsequent diplomatic fallout have further strained Indo-Pakistani relations, which were already fragile. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement between the two countries, has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for conflict. Both nations have engaged in retaliatory measures, including border skirmishes along the Line of Control in Kashmir. The United Nations and other international bodies have called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Pakistan’s Commitment to Its Citizens

Despite the challenges posed by India’s actions, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that the Wagah border will remain open for Pakistani nationals, provided Indian authorities permit their passage. Pakistan continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens stranded in India.

Conclusion

The revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals by India has exacerbated an already tense situation, leading to significant humanitarian concerns. While Pakistan has condemned the move and called for international intervention, the path to resolution remains uncertain. The international community’s role in facilitating dialogue and ensuring the protection of human rights will be crucial in addressing the fallout from this diplomatic crisis.