As part of its efforts to maintain diplomatic and security tensions between India and Pakistan, India has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani nationals currently living in its territory to leave immediately following a terror attack that killed five Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir and is thought to be carried out by militant groups originating in Pakistan.
Officials from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed late Wednesday that Pakistani nationals, including those on temporary visas for education, medical treatment, business or tourism purposes, have been directed to leave within two days as a preventative measure to safeguard internal security based on “credible intelligence inputs.”
“Given the severity of India’s current security situation and the role played by Pakistan-based elements in the Pahalgam attack, the Government has decided to temporarily withdraw non-essential and non-resident permits issued to Pakistani nationals,” an MHA spokesperson noted.
This announcement has drawn mixed responses. While some citizens and political groups applauded it as a decisive response to cross-border terrorism, human rights activists raised concern about innocent civilians being caught up in diplomatic crossfire.
Pakistanis receiving medical care at Indian hospitals, students enrolled at Indian universities, and business professionals attending bilateral trade events were all affected. Many expressed shock and confusion over how to arrange immediate travel back home amid limited cross-border transport options due to the closure of Attari-Wagah border earlier this week.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly objected to India’s decision and charged that India is using this tragedy as a springboard to inflame hostility between both countries. According to Pakistan, this “is a clear breach of international human rights norms and an attempt to generate anti-Pakistan sentiment”, adding that they would raise it with international organizations.
Indian officials insist that this measure is temporary and will be assessed against an ever-evolving security landscape. Increased checks at airports, bus stations, and border posts have been instituted in order to enforce it.
As diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan worsen, global powers such as the UN and European Union have issued repeated calls for restraint between both nations, imploring them to prioritize peace over actions that could further escalate tensions.