The decision comes after the Indian government suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and revoked 14 visa categories, including tourist, business, and medical visas, effective from April 27. Medical visas were valid until April 29. However, LTVs issued to minority communities, particularly Hindu Pakistani nationals, were exempted from this revocation.
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office in Jodhpur has clarified that Pakistani nationals whose LTV applications are pending or who are eligible for LTVs are also exempt from deportation. This includes Pakistani women married to Indian men and individuals whose Pakistani passports have expired. The FRRO has urged such individuals to approach its office with relevant documents for visa renewal or application.
In Pune, over 250 Pakistani Sindhi migrants, many of whom have been awaiting Indian citizenship for years, expressed relief at the government's clarification. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that LTVs issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid despite the suspension of other visa services.
The government's decision to revoke visas followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari-Wagah border, and expelled Pakistani defense advisors. Pakistan, denying involvement in the attack, retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian flights and severing trade ties.