The Pakistan Football Federation confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday, attributing the decision to ongoing political tensions between the two countries. The competition, scheduled from May 25 to June 6 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, will now proceed with six teams.

Following Pakistan's exit, the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has finalised a revised format. Hosts India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives have been split into two groups after the official draw in Dhaka.

This will be India's second time hosting the women's championship after the 2016 edition in Siliguri, where the hosts clinched their fourth title. Goa, too, returns as a venue, having earlier staged the 1999 SAFF men's championship.

Pakistan's absence is seen as a setback for its women's football programme, which has been rebuilding after administrative challenges. The team had viewed the tournament as a key opportunity for international exposure.

The move follows similar withdrawals, including Pakistan skipping last year's junior hockey World Cup in Tamil Nadu and the Asia Cup in Rajgir.

India remain the most successful side with five titles, while Bangladesh are the defending back-to-back champions.