Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed that he is ready to participate in a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attacks. Shehbaz made the remarks while addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul.
He said, “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”
The Pakistani Prime Minister’s remarks came after India announced suspension of the Indus Water Treaty along with several other punitive measures against Pakistan for its role in the Pahalgam terror against.
On April 22, a ghastly attack by a group of terrorists claimed 26 Indian lives, mostly tourists and one local resident in Pahalgam’s Baisaran, a popular tourist spot known as “mini Switzerland”.
India suspends visa services to Pakistani nationals
In retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attacks which claimed 26 innocent lives of mostly tourists, the Government of India took several steps to put pressure on Pakistan which is allegedly sheltering the terrorists and their mastermind.
Among the steps taken by India, is suspension of visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs in a notification on April 24.
“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025.
Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended.
Visa cancellation not for Hindu Pakistani nationals
However, the visa cancellation does not apply to long-term visas granted to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which will remain valid.
Indians “strongly advised” to avoid travelling to Pakistan
Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest,” the notification reads.