Pakistan on Thursday announced retaliatory steps in response to New Delhi’s slew of aggressive measure, blocking airspace as well as suspending trade and bilateral accords with India. Islamabad also warned India that diverting water flow will be “considered an act of war”.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) held in Islamabad today, convened to formulate Pakistan’s response to India. The session was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by senior government and military leadership, including the defense minister, foreign minister, interior minister, national security adviser, and the heads of the armed forces, among others.
According to the statement, the meeting discussed in detail the national security situation and law and order in the region, especially in the context of the attack in Pahalgam area occurred on April 22, 2025 in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The committee expressed deep sorrow and concern over the death of foreign tourists and termed the unilateral actions taken by India on April 23 as unjust, irresponsible and legally unjustified for political purposes.
The committee reiterated that Kashmir is an unresolved dispute recognized under several UN resolutions. Pakistan will continue to support the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination.
India’s state repression, attempts to undermine the state’s sovereignty, and political and demographic changes lead to a natural reaction from the Kashmiri people, which gives rise to cycles of violence, the statement added.
There has been an increase in systematic state repression against minorities, especially Muslims, in India. The forced passage of the Waqf Act is the latest in this series.
Pakistan condemns all forms of terrorism as the country itself suffered heavy casualties and financial losses due to the menace of terrorism.
Pakistan termed India’s attempt to link the attack to Pakistan as frivolous, illogical and baseless.
Also read: Pahalgam attack: Foreign Minister challenges India to present evidence of Pakistan’s involvement
The Committee deplored the veiled threats made by India in its April 23 statement and said that the international community should pay attention to India’s state-sponsored cross-border killings and blatant violations of international law.
The key decisions of the Committee are as follows:
- Pakistan strongly rejects India’s announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and warns that any disruption in the flow of water will be considered a “declaration of war” which will be met with a full response at all levels.
- In view of India’s irresponsible behavior, Pakistan reserves the right to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Agreement, until India ceases its terrorism, cross-border killings and violations of UN resolutions.
- The Wagah Border is being closed with immediate effect. Only those with valid visas will be able to use this route for return till April 30, 2025.
- All visas issued to Indian citizens under the SAARC Visa Waiver Scheme are cancelled. Only Sikh pilgrims will be exempted. Other Indian citizens are directed to leave Pakistan within 48 hours.
- The Defense, Naval and Air Advisers posted at the Indian High Commission have been declared “persona non grata” and directed to leave Pakistan by April 30, 2025.
- The strength of the Indian High Commission staff has been reduced to 30.
- Pakistan’s airspace is being closed to Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines with immediate effect.
- All commercial activities with India, even though any third country, are suspended with immediate effect.
