Pakistan expels Indian diplomats, shuts airspace, cancels visas amid escalating tensions

New Delhi: In a sharp escalation of hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Thursday reportedly announced a series of retaliatory measures against India, including the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft, the suspension of visa services for Indian nationals, and the expulsion of key Indian defence personnel posted in Islamabad.

According to media reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to review India’s recent steps and to formulate what it described as “firm reciprocal measures” to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Following the meeting, Islamabad announced that all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) stand suspended and are deemed cancelled with immediate effect, except for Sikh religious pilgrims. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES, excluding Sikh pilgrims, have been directed to leave the country within 48 hours.

Pakistan also declared the Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors in Islamabad persona non grata. The officials have been ordered to exit Pakistan immediately and no later than April 30, 2025. Pakistan also formally closed its airspace to all Indian flights, a move likely to disrupt regional air traffic and commercial routes.

The Pakistani government's decision, effective from 6 PM IST on April 24, 2025, was formalized through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. The airspace closure is set to remain in effect until May 24, 2025, at 5:30 AM IST. ​ 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said all existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27. It said medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29.

The MEA said all Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave the country before the expiry of visas.

It also strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Pakistan and advised those currently in the neighbouring country to return home at the earliest.

India on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.