Desk:Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has taken several stringent actions against Pakistan. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held a high-level meeting where five major decisions were taken, including a move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
In response, Pakistan convened a critical meeting of its National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday. Chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the committee decided to shut down Pakistani airspace for all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines with immediate effect. Additionally, Pakistan announced the suspension of trade with India through third countries and froze the implementation of the Shimla Agreement.
Reacting strongly to India’s move to review the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan warned that any attempt to divert water meant for it under the treaty would be considered an act of war. Pakistan also announced a downgrade in diplomatic ties, a suspension of bilateral agreements—including the Shimla Accord—and the closure of the Wagah border crossing. India had already shut down operations at the Attari border check post.
The NSC meeting was attended by Pakistan’s key ministers and military chiefs. Following the meeting, an official statement emphasized Pakistan’s intent to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including—but not limited to—the Shimla Agreement.
Pakistan also suspended all visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Indian nationals, except Sikh pilgrims visiting religious sites. Indian citizens currently in Pakistan under the SVES have been directed to leave the country within 48 hours.
Condemning India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, the NSC’s statement described the agreement as vital for regional stability and labeled water a matter of national interest and survival for Pakistan’s 240 million people. It warned that any attempt to block or divert water flows would be seen as an act of aggression.
Furthermore, the strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members starting April 30.