Following India’s retaliatory action after the Pahalgam terror attack, the government in Pakistan has issued a sequence of diplomatic and security measures, comprising moving towards international forums for what it calls the breach of the Indus Waters Treaty. ARY News reports that it came after a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
The session was joined by senior civil and military officials, who debated internal and external security issues after what Pakistan termed as a “false flag operation” in Pahalgam, where 27 individuals were murdered earlier this week.
Pakistan Condemns India’s Treaty Move, Promises Diplomatic Action
The NSC outrightly rejected India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming the move a breach of an internationally binding agreement brokered by the World Bank. The NSC asserted, “Water is a Vital National Interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs. Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power.”
The committee stressed India’s purported infringement of international norms, declaring, “Noting the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of India, which disregards international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions and international obligations at will, Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India including but not limited to Simla Agreement in abeyance.”
Pakistan Closed Border and Suspend Visas
In another escalation, Pakistan declared that the Wagah Border Post would be closed immediately, halting all transit across the border from India. “Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than 30 April 2025,” the NSC declared.
Besides, Islamabad revoked all SAARC visas granted to Indian nationals under the Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), except for Sikh religious pilgrims. Indian nationals who are already in Pakistan under this scheme have been ordered to leave within 48 hours.
Expulsions and Diplomatic Downgrading
In a reciprocal reaction matching India’s action, Pakistan announced Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata. “They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than 30 April 2025,” the statement continued. The number of personnel at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will also be reduced to 30.
The NSC also directed the shutdown of Pakistan’s airspace for all Indian-owned or operated aircraft with immediate effect. In addition, all trade with India, including third-country routed trade through Pakistan, has been suspended indefinitely.
Focus on National Security and Regional Peace
The committee added that Pakistan and its military are fully equipped to defend its sovereignty, pointing to its reaction to India’s 2019 incursion as evidence of its determination. “Pakistan and its Armed Forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure.”
Reaffirming its stance on peace, the NSC noted, “The Pakistani Nation remains committed to peace, but will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity and their inalienable rights.”
Rejection of Indian Allegations and International Warning
The Pakistani leadership condemned India’s version of the Pahalgam attack, stating, “Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, attempts to link the Pahalgam attack with Pakistan are frivolous, devoid of rationality and defeat logic.”
Additionally, the committee stated that India’s allegations are a bid to divert attention from its internal affairs, specifically in Jammu and Kashmir. “India’s systemic persecution of minorities, particularly Muslims, has become more pervasive. Attempts at forced passage of Waqf Bill is the latest effort to marginalize Muslims across India.”
Kulbhushan Jadhav Case Cited as Evidence
The NSC reiterated that Pakistan has tangible evidence of Indian terrorism within its borders, such as the current case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav. ” India’s worn-out narrative of victimhood cannot obfuscate its own culpability in fomenting terrorism on Pakistan’s soil, such as the testimony of a serving Indian Navy official, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav.”
The forum also condemned India’s reported extraterritorial activities and called upon the international community to remain vigilant. “The international community ought to remain mindful of India’s state sponsored extraterritorial assassinations or attempts on foreign soil.”
