India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a directive for all Pakistani nationals to leave the country by April 29, regardless of whether they hold valid visas. In response to escalating tensions, Indian citizens have also been strongly advised against traveling to Pakistan.
In a move reflecting growing diplomatic strains, India is recalling its defense, military, naval, and air force advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Concurrently, military advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and are required to depart India within a week.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and shutting down the Wagah border post, which serves as the only crossing point between the two nations. Additionally, Islamabad has suspended all visas previously issued to Indian citizens.
The tensions between India and Pakistan intensified following a deadly attack on April 22 in the Indian tourist town of Pahalgam, where at least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by militants. The attack was reportedly claimed by the “Resistance Front,” an insurgent group with alleged ties to Pakistan, which is considered a terrorist organization by India. The group reportedly views the Jammu and Kashmir region as occupied by India.
