What is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme? How Will Its Cancellation for Pakistani Citizens Affect Pakistan?

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme allows select dignitaries (officials, journalists, businessmen, etc.) from member nations to travel visa-free within SAARC. Read more on Dynamite News

New Delhi: Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, resulting in 28 fatalities and 20 injuries, Prime Minister Modi convened a CCS meeting, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

In this, 5 major decisions were taken against Pakistan

• Immediate suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (1960) until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism.
• Attari border check post is closed; only those with valid documents are allowed to return till May 1.
• Indian visas for Pakistani citizens canceled: SARSC visa scheme stopped, visas issued earlier also canceled.
• Indian authorities ordered Pakistani diplomats present in India to leave the country within 48 hours.
• Reduction in the number of staff of High Commissions in both countries to 30 (currently 55).

What Is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme?

During the fourth summit of SAARC in December 1988, the member states decided in Islamabad to provide special travel documents to certain categories of dignitaries, exempting them from visas within the region.

Currently, the list includes 24 categories of entitled persons, which include Parliamentarians, Senior Officials, Dignitaries, Journalists, Judges of higher courts, Businessmen, Sports persons, etc.

Member states issue the Visa Stickers to the entitled categories of that particular country. The validity of the Visa Sticker is generally for one year. Immigration authorities of SAARC member states regularly review its implementation.

These Visa Stickers are issued to provide hassle-free travel to the dignitaries of the member states to save their time.