Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday held
discussions with all chief ministers across the country, urging them to identify
Pakistani nationals currently residing in their respective states. The move
comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir,
which claimed the lives of 26 civilians earlier this week.
The Home Minister asked the CMs to share detailed
information with the Centre about all Pakistani citizens living in India,
including those who entered under various visa categories. The objective,
officials said, is to initiate steps for the cancellation of their visas
and ensure their swift return to Pakistan.
Visa Revocations and SAARC Exemptions Cancelled
The Centre has already revoked all valid Indian visas
issued to Pakistani nationals, with effect from April 27. A
notification by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on April 24
confirmed the development. The government has also clarified that medical
visas granted to Pakistani nationals will remain valid only until April
29.
Further tightening the rules, the government has declared
that Pakistanis will no longer be allowed to travel under the SAARC Visa
Exemption Scheme (SVES). Those who entered under this scheme now have 48
hours to exit India.
These stringent steps are being seen as a response to
heightened security concerns following the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam,
which is being linked to Pakistan-backed extremist elements.
Impact on Civilians
The new regulations have caused concern and confusion among
some Pakistani nationals currently residing in India, particularly those
on short-term or family visit visas. Several people, including those in
India for medical treatment, education, or familial visits, are now seeking clarity
on how to comply with the new directives.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the
abruptness of the policy, highlighting the humanitarian aspects of individuals
undergoing medical procedures or separated from families.
High-Level Meeting on Indus Waters Treaty
In another significant development, Home Minister Amit Shah
is also set to chair a meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) at his
residence. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, along with other senior
government officials, will participate in the discussion.
According to government sources quoted by ANI, India
has formally notified Pakistan in writing about the suspension of the treaty,
marking a potential shift in the management of shared river waters between the
two countries. The treaty, signed in 1960 under the World Bank’s mediation,
governs water-sharing rights between India and Pakistan for the Indus River
system.
Political and Diplomatic Significance
The Centre’s tough stance reflects a broader policy shift
towards Pakistan following the resurgence of terror incidents linked to
cross-border outfits. By targeting Pakistani nationals and diplomatic
arrangements such as the SVES and IWT, India is sending a clear and
uncompromising message in response to acts of terror.
Looking Ahead
As enforcement begins across various Indian states, state
governments are expected to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) in identifying and reporting all Pakistani individuals
currently on Indian soil. Measures will also be put in place to ensure peaceful
and lawful repatriation.
The Home Ministry is expected to issue detailed
guidelines to all states in the coming days to ensure smooth implementation
of these new directives without unnecessary hardship for those who may be
affected.