In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Indian government has ordered all Pakistani nationals currently in India to depart by April 29, 2025. This directive follows a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national. India has attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, a claim that Pakistan denies.

Key Measures Implemented by India:
Visa Suspension: India has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani citizens, effective from April 27. Pakistani nationals holding medical visas have been granted an extension until April 29 to leave the country .

Diplomatic Expulsions: Following the attack, India expelled Pakistani diplomats and has instructed all Pakistani citizens to leave the country by the specified date. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed state governments to ensure the implementation of this order .

Travel Advisory: The Indian government has advised its citizens against traveling to Pakistan and has urged those currently in Pakistan to return to India at the earliest opportunity .

Pakistan’s Response:
In retaliation, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights, suspended trade, and expelled Indian diplomats. The Pakistani government has also warned that any interference with the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement, would be considered an act of war .

International Reactions:
The United Nations has called for maximum restraint from both nations to prevent further escalation. The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory, issuing a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for India’s Jammu and Kashmir region due to high risks of terrorism and civil unrest .

Conclusion
The situation remains tense, with both India and Pakistan taking steps that could lead to further deterioration of bilateral relations. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, urging both countries to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.

The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced that the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise will commence on May 9.

Chairman of the agency, Aliyu Musa, disclosed this to journalists while giving an update on preparations ahead of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

He revealed that out of the 2,860 registered intending pilgrims from the state, 2,500 visas have already been processed.

“We have finalized arrangements with officials of Flynass Airlines, the airline responsible for airlifting intending pilgrims from the state to the holy land,” Musa said.

He explained that all logistical arrangements were being concluded to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation for pilgrims from the state.

According to Musa, this year’s pilgrims will be accommodated in the Masfala area of Makkah, a location familiar to many previous pilgrims from Sokoto State.

“This arrangement was made to ensure that our pilgrims are comfortable and settled in a known environment,” he added.

The chairman also announced a new payment approach for the Hadaya, stating that intending pilgrims will be required to pay for the Hadaya in Naira before departure.

“This is to prevent pilgrims from tampering with their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) while in Saudi Arabia, which is capped at 500 dollars,” he explained.

Musa urged all intending pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and be good ambassadors of the state and the country during their time in the holy land.

“We are calling on our pilgrims to avoid any acts that could tarnish the image of Sokoto State and Nigeria. The Hajj is a spiritual journey, and it should be treated as such,” he advised.

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has splurged on a brand-new FORD F150 truck, flaunting his latest acquisition on Instagram.

In a video, Portable revealed that he topped up the N20 million given to him by Burna Boy after his victory over Speed Darlington in a celebrity boxing match.

The singer knocked out Speed Darlington in the first round of their highly publicized bout, held at the Balmoral Events Centre on April 19.

Burna Boy’s N20 million reward was a celebratory gesture for Portable’s impressive win. With some additional funds, Portable was able to purchase his sleek new ride.

Photo source: Instagram