ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it a dangerous and unlawful move. Following this escalation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an urgent National Security Committee (NSC) meeting to respond to Indian actions and review the regional situation after the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Indus Waters Treaty is Non-Negotiable, Says NSC
The NSC reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, is a binding international agreement. The committee declared there is no clause allowing India to unilaterally suspend it.
“Water is a vital national interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million citizens. We will protect it at all costs,” the NSC said in a statement. It warned that any attempt to divert Pakistan’s share of water would be treated as an act of war and responded to with full force.
Pakistan Announces String of Retaliatory Measures
In a firm response, the NSC decided to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement. The forum also ordered the immediate closure of the Wagah Border. No Indian transit through this route will be permitted beyond April 30, 2025. Individuals who have already entered Pakistan via Wagah must return before the deadline.
All visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) to Indian nationals stand cancelled, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims. Indian citizens under SVES in Pakistan must leave within 48 hours, except for those visiting religious sites.
Diplomatic and Airspace Restrictions Imposed
The NSC declared Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad persona non grata. They are instructed to leave Pakistan by April 30, 2025. Their support staff must also exit. Pakistan will reduce the strength of India’s High Commission to 30 personnel.
Furthermore, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated aircraft with immediate effect. It has also suspended all trade with India, including goods transported through third countries via Pakistani territory.
Strong Words Against India’s Behavior
The committee accused India of reckless and illegal behavior, routinely violating international law, UN resolutions, and bilateral agreements. It criticized India’s attempt to blame Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without credible investigation or evidence.
Pakistan dismissed Indian claims as baseless and highlighted India’s past involvement in state-sponsored terrorism inside Pakistan. It cited the case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian naval officer caught in Pakistan, as proof of Indian interference.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Kashmir Cause
Despite these escalations, the NSC reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and its enduring support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The committee condemned India’s ongoing human rights abuses, demographic changes, and religious discrimination in IIOJK and across India.
Warning Against Further Provocation
The NSC cautioned India against exploiting tragic events like the Pahalgam attack to push political narratives. It called on the international community to take note of India’s extraterritorial killings and its inflammatory state-controlled media coverage.
“Pakistan will defend its sovereignty, dignity, and people with full strength. Any threats will be met with decisive and reciprocal action,” the committee concluded.
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