Pakistanis have 48 hrs to leave India, Wagah border closed: India strikes back after Pahalgam attack

New Delhi: A day after terrorists massacred 26 people in Pahalgam, India has hit back at Pakistan by putting the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and declared Defence, Military, Naval, and Air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as persona non grata.

"Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures- The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism, “ said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

CCS also decided that the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 1st May 2025.

“Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. Any SPES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SPES visa has 48 hours to leave India,” he said.

Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and asked to leave India within a week.

India will be withdrawing its own Defence, Navy, and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled.

India has reduced the Pakistan High Commission’s strength to 30 from 55. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will also maintain 30 strength.

Speaking to India, Foreign Secretary of GOI Vikram Misri said, " India has received unconditional support from various governments around the world. Leaders have condemned the attack on Indian civilians. During the meeting the cross border linkages misused by terrorists have been discussed. The three chiefs of the defence, Army, Navy and Air Force have been asked to stay on high vigil". Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has called for an All-Party Meet tomorrow. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to chair and Home Minister Amit Shah to attend.