Pahalgam Terror Attack / Visa cancelled, Indus Water Treaty ended... these 5 decisions were taken after the attack

Pahalgam Terror Attack: The horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 shook the entire country. 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen lost their lives in this attack, while many others were seriously injured. After this tragic incident, the top leadership of the country has indicated to take quick and decisive steps. An emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was convened at the Prime Minister's residence on Wednesday evening, in which many important and tough decisions were taken regarding national security.

Top leaders attended the high-level meeting

Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and other senior officials were present in the meeting. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared detailed information in the meeting and then informed the media about the decisions taken.

Key decisions taken:

1. Indus Water Treaty suspended:

The historic Indus Water Treaty of 1960 has been suspended with immediate effect. This decision will remain in force until Pakistan completely and credibly stops supporting cross-border terrorism.

2. Attari check post closed:

The Attari Integrated Check Post between India-Pakistan has been closed with immediate effect. However, those who have already crossed the border with valid permission have been allowed to return till May 1, 2025.

3. SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme cancelled:

Pakistani citizens will no longer be able to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All previously issued SVES visas will stand cancelled and such visa holders present in India will have to leave the country within 48 hours.

4. Military officials of Pakistan High Commission expelled:

The Defence, Naval and Air Advisors working in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been declared 'persons-in-waiting' and have been given a week's time to leave India.

5. Withdrawal of Indian advisors:

India has decided to withdraw the defense, naval and air advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. With this, the total number of employees working in the High Commissions of both the countries will be reduced to 30, which is currently 55.

An example of quick and decisive action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to return to the country leaving his official visit to Saudi Arabia midway and immediately chaired this high-level meeting on security matters. At the same time, Home Minister Amit Shah had already reached Srinagar on Tuesday to take stock of the local situation and returned to Delhi on Wednesday and attended the CCS meeting.

Clear message of the government: Zero tolerance towards terrorism

After this meeting, the central government has made it clear that India's policy is 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism and there will be no compromise with the security of the country. These steps not only show solidarity with the victims of the attack, but also send a strong message to Pakistan that it will have to pay a price for supporting terrorism.

With this decision, India has once again proved that national security is paramount and no terrorist attack can undermine the integrity and sovereignty of the country.