KARACHI: India has said its decision to cancel visas issued to Pakistanis will not apply to Hindus from the neighbouring country who have longterm permits to stay in the country.

India`s Cabinet Commitree on Security, on Wednesday, decided to cancel visas issued to Pakistanis under the Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme. The Pakistani nationals in India were given 48 hours to leave the country.

In a clarification issued on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said the decision `does not apply to the Long Term Visas already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which remain valid`.

Meanwhile, Air India has announced that its flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an `alternative extended route` after Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines.