In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, the central government on Wednesday announced key measures. The decision includes the suspension of SAARC visa-free travel for Pakistani nationals to India.
Furthermore, any Pakistani nationals holding SAARC visas and currently in India must leave the country within 48 hours.
Additionally, any Pakistani nationals currently in India on such visas are required
After a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the committee was briefed about the attack and its possible "cross-border connections".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many other leaders, both nationally and internationally, condemned the brutal attack.
What Is SAARC Visa?
Established in 1992, SVES was designed to facilitate travel between SAARC member countries, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
In 1988, the initiative emerged from the Islamabad SAARC Summit, where regional cooperation and people-to-people exchanges were emphasised.
Under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), eligible individuals are issued a special visa sticker by their respective home countries, which allows multiple entries into other SAARC nations without the need for separate visas.
Read More | Dombivali Shares A Dark And Emotional Night
The scheme is overseen by the immigration authorities of each member state, with periodic reviews to ensure its effectiveness and address any challenges.
In 2015, the Centre shared a document stating that citizens of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries are eligible for an Indian business visa for a period of up to five years or for a shorter period, depending on specific requirements. However, this does not apply to citizens of Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan.
As per the reports, citizens of Nepal and Bhutan were exempted from visa requirements for visits to India.
However, as in the case of Pakistani citizens, only certain categories were eligible for multiple-entry business visas, with a maximum duration of one year and limited to 10 locations within India.
On July 7, 2015, India introduced new guidelines for Pakistani businessmen, offering multiple-entry business visas valid for up to three years to select individuals with verified financial and business credentials.
As per the reports, these visas are limited to 15 specified locations in India. Among SAARC nations, Sri Lankan citizens could apply for e-Tourist Visas.
Indian citizens do not require a visa to visit Nepal and Bhutan, while all other SAARC member countries provide business visa facilities to Indian citizens.
