In a sharp escalation of tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has announced a series of retaliatory measures against India, including the suspension of all bilateral agreements, closure of airspace and land borders, and a significant downgrade in diplomatic ties.
Central to Islamabad’s outrage is India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty — a move Pakistan described as an “Act of War”.
The announcements came after an emergency meeting of Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting was attended by senior cabinet ministers and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In a strongly-worded statement, the NSC said, “Any attempt to stop or divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty will be considered an Act of War.” It reiterated that water is a critical lifeline for the country's 240 million citizens and emphasised that Islamabad would do everything necessary to protect its rights as a lower riparian nation.
Among the actions announced, Pakistan is suspending trade with India — including transit trade via third countries — and closing the Wagah border crossing immediately. Indian nationals currently in the country under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), except Sikh religious pilgrims, have been instructed to leave within 48 hours.
Pakistan has also cancelled all SVES visas issued to Indians and expelled India's Defence, Naval, and Air Advisers in Islamabad, declaring them and their support staff persona non grata. They must leave the country by April 30. Additionally, Pakistan is reducing the strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to 30 members, effective the same date.
The country is also shutting down its airspace to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines with immediate effect.
Pakistan's decision follows India's strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed earlier this week. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility.
On Wednesday, India retaliated by expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, and closing down the Attari land transit route.
The NSC also stated that while Pakistan condemns terrorism in all forms and remains committed to regional peace, it will not allow any threat to its sovereignty and security. “India must stop using incidents like Pahalgam to further narrow political interests and avoid escalating tensions through blame games and propaganda,” the statement added.