Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Wednesday that a session of the National Security Committee (NSC) has been scheduled for Thursday to formulate Pakistan’s response to India’s recent measures following the deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The attack, which took place in the Pahalgam area, claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left 17 others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire at a popular tourist destination.
In response, India took several escalatory steps earlier on Wednesday, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, banning Pakistani nationals from entering the country, and declaring Pakistani defence attachés persona non grata.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath”, Khawaja Asif said the NSC meeting would be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which Pakistan’s strategy to counter India’s measures will be discussed in detail.
He stressed that India cannot unilaterally withdraw from the Indus Waters Treaty, a tripartite agreement involving not just India and Pakistan but also the World Bank. “India has long shown interest in pulling out of the treaty, but unilateral action is not legally permissible,” he added.
Asif further warned that if India escalates matters under domestic pressure, Pakistan is fully prepared to respond, citing the 2019 Abhinandan incident as an example of Pakistan’s resolve.
“Pakistan has always acted responsibly, but if forced, we will respond with full force,” he concluded.
