New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) Severely downgrading its ties with Pakistan, a day after 26 tourists were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, India today announced that Pakistani nationals will not be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Visa Exemption Scheme.
Any Pakistani nationals in India on such visas have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, announcing the measures taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by PM Modi, said that any SVES visas previously granted to Pakistani citizens are now considered void.
The decision signifies a tightening of entry regulations for Pakistani nationals into India.
India has also decided to bring down the staff strength at the High Commissions – the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, and the Indian High Commission in Islamabad — to 30 from the current 55 by May 1, 2025.
This decision reflects a further downgrading in the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, certain categories of dignitaries are issued a special travel document. This special instrument exempts them from the need for visas and other travelling documents.
Currently, the list included 24 categories of entitled persons, which include Dignitaries, Judges of higher courts, Parliamentarians, Senior Officials, Businessmen, Journalists, Sportsmen etc.
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was launched in 1992.
The Visa Stickers are issued by the respective Member States to the entitled categories of that particular country. The validity of the Visa Sticker is generally for one year. The implementation is reviewed regularly by the Immigration Authorities of SAAR Member States.
