New Delhi: 24 April: The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Pakistan government is currently blocked in India. This comes amid rising tensions between the two countries after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 people dead.
The move follows India’s decision to take strong measures against Pakistan, including indefinitely suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
In response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 and injured over 20 people, India has taken a series of strong diplomatic measures against Pakistan, holding it responsible for cross-border terrorism.
The decisions were made during an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened on Wednesday.
Military, diplomatic ties downgraded
Briefing the media after the CCS meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India is declaring the Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata. These officials have been instructed to leave the country within seven days.
In a reciprocal move, India will also withdraw its own military advisors—Defence, Navy, and Air—from its High Commission in Islamabad. Additionally, five support staff members linked to these defence advisors will be withdrawn from both missions.
As part of a broader diplomatic scale-down, both countries will reduce their High Commission staff from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.
SAARC visa privileges suspended
India also announced the immediate suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals.
The scheme, which allows for simplified visa access for officials and dignitaries from SAARC nations, will no longer apply to Pakistan. Pakistani citizens currently in India under SVES have been directed to exit the country within 48 hours.
Pahalgam attack draws sharp response
The government’s action comes amid heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir following Tuesday’s brutal attack in Pahalgam, which primarily targeted tourists. The assault is being linked to cross-border terror operatives.
“CCS resolved that perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account,” Misri stated.
The steps mark one of the sharpest escalations in diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan in recent years, underscoring New Delhi’s zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism.
Media reports
