MHA directs states to identify 14 VISA categories under SAARC

New Delhi, April 26
A day after it announced suspension of visa services to Pakistan nationals, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the states to identify people under 14 visa categories — including film, journalist, pilgrim, business and ensure their prompt return.
The MHA said in an order to all the states, “There are 14 categories: visa allowed under SAARC, have a deadline to exit India April 26, visa allowed for business, visa on arrival, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor visa, group tourist visa, pilgrim visa, group pilgrim visa to minorities of Pakistan – have a deadline till April 27, while visa allowed under medical category have a deadline till April 29”.
“Ministry of External Affairs and Bureau of Immigration are requested to take appropriate necessary action for compliance of the order,” the order further stated.
The MHA also helld a video conference with the chief secretaries of all the states and UTs where the states were informed that Centre has revoked all existing visas issued to Pakistan nationals, except Long Term Visas, Diplomatic and Official visas, with immediate effect from April 27. Medical Visa issued to Pakistan nationals will be valid only till April 29, officials added.
The MHA passed the order following the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam killing 26 persons on April 22. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The security forces identified four terrorists of LeT and released their sketches announcing rewards on theie head.
India has also also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelled diplomats and senior defence officials from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and closed the Attari-Wagah border.