India launched a series of measures against Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead. These actions also included closing the Attari integrated check post (ICP), suspension of visas, and scaling down of border ceremonies.
The iconic gates at the Attari-Wagah border, a symbol of Indo-Pakistan ties, remained closed on Thursday, though ceremonies were carried out independently on either side. Punjab Police protocol officer Arun Mahal confirmed that movement across the border was still permitted for returning nationals.
“A total of 28 Pakistani nationals left for Pakistan from the Attari border and 105 Indian nationals have returned from Pakistan. There has been an impact on the number of tourists," Mahal told ANI.
The Border Security Force (BSF) announced that ceremonial activities at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki will now be scaled down. Among the key changes, the customary handshake between the Indian and Pakistani commanders has been suspended, and the gates will remain closed during the retreat ceremony.
These measures come in response to Tuesday's brutal assault at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, where terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Several others were injured in what is being described as the most severe attack in the valley since Pulwama in 2019.
In an emergency meeting of the cabinet committee on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by home minister Amit Shah, India resolved to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. Key decisions included placing the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism, and formally closing the Attari ICP.
India also declared Pakistani High Commission officials as persona non grata and ordered their expulsion within a week. All visas issued under the SAARC visa exemption scheme have been cancelled, with Pakistani citizens ordered to leave India within 48 hours.
The ministry of external affairs also confirmed the immediate suspension of visa services to Pakistani nationals. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025, it said in a statement.
The iconic gates at the Attari-Wagah border, a symbol of Indo-Pakistan ties, remained closed on Thursday, though ceremonies were carried out independently on either side. Punjab Police protocol officer Arun Mahal confirmed that movement across the border was still permitted for returning nationals.
“A total of 28 Pakistani nationals left for Pakistan from the Attari border and 105 Indian nationals have returned from Pakistan. There has been an impact on the number of tourists," Mahal told ANI.
The Border Security Force (BSF) announced that ceremonial activities at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki will now be scaled down. Among the key changes, the customary handshake between the Indian and Pakistani commanders has been suspended, and the gates will remain closed during the retreat ceremony.
These measures come in response to Tuesday's brutal assault at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, where terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Several others were injured in what is being described as the most severe attack in the valley since Pulwama in 2019.
In an emergency meeting of the cabinet committee on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by home minister Amit Shah, India resolved to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. Key decisions included placing the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism, and formally closing the Attari ICP.
India also declared Pakistani High Commission officials as persona non grata and ordered their expulsion within a week. All visas issued under the SAARC visa exemption scheme have been cancelled, with Pakistani citizens ordered to leave India within 48 hours.
The ministry of external affairs also confirmed the immediate suspension of visa services to Pakistani nationals. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025, it said in a statement.
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