Pakistan retaliates with strong measures against India

Pakistan National Security Committee has pledged a firm and appropriate response to India’s water aggression following New Delhi’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty in reaction to the recent Pahalgam attack.

In a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s top security leadership strongly rejected Indian allegations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack. The National Security Committee (NSC) dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

Reacting to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the NSC warned that any attempt to divert Pakistan’s water share would be treated as an act of war. Pakistan also announced several major decisions in response to India’s actions.

Effective immediately, the Wagah Border has been closed for all cross-border movement. Only Indian nationals who entered Pakistan with valid endorsements may return via Wagah until April 30, 2025. All visas issued to Indian citizens under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme have been canceled, except for Sikh pilgrims. Those already in Pakistan must leave within 48 hours.

Pakistan declared Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata. They, along with their support staff, must leave the country by April 30. The number of Indian diplomatic staff in Islamabad will also be reduced to 30.

Additionally, Pakistan’s airspace is now closed to all Indian-owned or operated airlines. All trade with India, including third-party routes, has been suspended. The NSC stated that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend national sovereignty. It described India’s recent steps as irresponsible and lacking legal basis, and stressed that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all forms.

The committee also reaffirmed support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and criticized India’s internal policies targeting minorities, especially Muslims.