New Delhi [India], April 25: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in the national capital on Friday, following the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam earlier this week.
The attack, which took place on Tuesday at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 26 individuals—25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. The victims, primarily tourists, were gunned down in what has been termed one of the deadliest assaults in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel. Several others were also injured.
In a swift response, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reached Srinagar on Friday to assess the security situation and coordinate measures in the Kashmir Valley.
A high-level all-party meeting was held by the Central government on Thursday to formulate a united strategy in the wake of the attack. Speaking after the meeting, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government in taking any action.”
Taking a firm stance, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by senior ministers including Amit Shah, decided to implement a series of strong diplomatic and strategic measures against Pakistan in response to its continued support for cross-border terrorism.
Key decisions include:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan credibly ceases support for terrorism.
- Closure of the Integrated Attari Check Post.
- Declaration of Pakistani High Commission officials as persona non grata, with a directive to leave India within a week.
- Cancellation of all visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with a 48-hour deadline for Pakistani nationals to exit India.
- Immediate suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals, with all existing Indian visas for Pakistani citizens to be revoked effective April 27, 2025.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed these actions in an official press release, emphasizing India’s resolve to combat terrorism and protect its citizens.