India has canceled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals following a deadly gun attack in Kashmir that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.
The attack, which occurred in the Pahalgam area of disputed Kashmir on April 22, claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national.
Indian authorities have linked the attack to militants associated with Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. Islamabad, however, has denied any involvement.
In response to the incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced the revocation of all valid residence permits held by Pakistanis, effective from Sunday, April 27.
Pakistani nationals in India have been instructed to leave the country before their visas expire.
The ministry also issued an advisory urging Indian citizens currently in Pakistan to return immediately and discouraged future travel to the neighboring country.
As tensions continue to rise, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical agreement signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank.
The treaty governs water sharing from the Indus River system between both nations. This marks the first time India has halted the treaty, citing national security concerns.
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Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspending all bilateral trade.
In a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Islamabad warned that any attempt by India to divert or block water flow from the Indus system would be viewed as an act of war.
The statement emphasized that such a move would be met with a full-spectrum response.
Border relations have also deteriorated. Both nations have closed key land crossings, including the Attari-Wagah border, and have downgraded diplomatic ties.
The SAARC visa exemption program for Pakistani nationals has been suspended as well.
With both countries armed with nuclear capabilities, the situation has drawn concern from the international community, which fears further escalation could destabilize the South Asian region.
Efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to de-escalate the crisis, though no formal dialogue has been announced.
Crediblenewsng.com
