After the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, India has resolved to halt the Indus Water Treaty and reduce diplomatic ties with Pakistan, prompting a strong reaction from the latter. In response, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, called for an urgent security meeting in Islamabad. This high-level conference featured Pakistan's top military commanders, key ministers, as well as senior civil and military officials.
In statements reported by Pakistani media, the Sharif government warned that any attempt by India to restrict or redirect Pakistan's water would be perceived as an act of war. Additionally, Pakistan decided to fully close its airspace to all Indian-owned and operated airlines.
The National Security Council (NSC) of Pakistan accused India of increasing oppression of minorities, particularly Muslims. They alleged that India was using laws, like the Waqf Act, to marginalize the Muslim community. Furthermore, the NSC claimed India is attempting to exploit such tragic events for political gain.
The Pakistani Prime Minister's office expressed concern over the tourist casualties in Pahalgam and condemned India's unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, irresponsible, and legally unfounded actions taken on April 23. Furthermore, Pakistan's national security committee insisted that the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved as acknowledged by several United Nations resolutions, pledging continued support for the Kashmiris' right to self-determination.
Highlights from Pakistan's NSC Meeting:
- Pakistan rejected India's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, emphasizing that the treaty is an international agreement mediated by the World Bank and cannot be suspended unilaterally.
- Pakistan declared that any attempts by India to block or divert water would be considered an act of war, vowing to respond with full strength.
- Pakistan announced the potential suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the Shimla Agreement.
- The Wagah border has been closed immediately, with only those with valid permissions allowed to return until April 30.
- Under the SAARC visa scheme, all Indian citizens' visas have been revoked, except for Sikh pilgrims. Other Indians have been given 48 hours to leave Pakistan.
- Advisors from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in Islamabad have been declared 'persona non grata' and ordered to leave Pakistan, reducing staff at the Indian High Commission to 30.
- Pakistan's airspace has been closed to Indian airlines with immediate effect.
- All forms of trade with India, whether via third countries or not, have been suspended immediately.
