Pakistan Halts Indian Visas After Deadly Kashmir Tourist Attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir left 26 tourists dead.
In response, Pakistan has suspended all visas previously granted to Indian nationals under a special exemption arrangement. Islamabad has also expelled Indian diplomats, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and reduced the number of Indian personnel at its High Commission.
Indian authorities named three of four suspects involved in the attack, identifying two as Pakistani nationals and the third as a local Kashmiri. They accused the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) of orchestrating the attack. Pakistan has firmly denied any involvement, calling the allegations baseless and demanding credible evidence.
The assault occurred near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in the disputed Himalayan region.
Following the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed severe retaliation, promising that the perpetrators and their backers would face “punishment bigger than they can imagine.” Modi declared, “India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.”
India swiftly implemented diplomatic reprisals, including:
- Shutting the Attari-Wagah border crossing immediately.
- Cancelling visa services for Pakistani nationals.
- Suspending parts of the Indus Water Treaty, warning of potential diversion of shared water resources.
In return, Pakistan:
- Denounced India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty as an “Act of War.”
- Banned Indian-operated airlines from its airspace.
- Suspended all trade with India.
- Ordered a reduction in Indian diplomatic staff to 30 by April 30.
Escalating Tensions and Regional Impact
Indian-administered Kashmir has seen increased detentions, with authorities questioning approximately 1,500 individuals connected to the attack. Schools and businesses, shuttered after the incident, have started reopening.
The victims, who included a naval officer, a tourist guide, and families on vacation, are receiving emotional farewells as their bodies are returned home.
Meanwhile, troubling reports have emerged of harassment against Kashmiri students across India. Videos shared online, though not independently verified by the BBC, show threats directed at Kashmiri Muslims.
As military patrols increase in cities like Srinagar, an uneasy calm hangs over the region.
Diplomatic Fallout
Both nations accuse each other of escalating the crisis. Pakistan maintains it was unfairly blamed without investigation, while India sees the attack as a continuation of cross-border terrorism.
The deepening hostilities have heightened fears of another military standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, at a time when both are grappling with internal and regional challenges.
