After India retaliated against the terror attack in Pahalgam, the PM’s office of Pakistan responded that if India suspends the Indus water treaty, it will be seen as “an act of war.” Among other things, India has also called for the immediate cancellation of visas to Pakistani citizens and the closure of the Wagah border.
Pakistan reacted to these actions with its own set of actions involving a closure of borders for everyone except Sikh pilgrims. The country has also imposed trade restrictions on India and declared a stay on the movement of Indian Airlines in its domestic airspace.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, chaired a meeting with the National Security Committee, consisting of higher military and civilian leaders, on Thursday, where further actions were discussed. The committee stated that Kashmir is a disputed territory and has the right of self-determination.
The Prime Minister also said that the Indian government is blaming Pakistan for the attacks irrationally and without any significant proof. He further iterated that Pakistan condemns the attack. In a unanimous decision, the committee has “vehemently rejected” India’s move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty.
The statement released by the committee said that the water from the rivers in the Indus Water System is important for its population of 240 million people, and any damage to it will not be accepted. It also emphasised that this will be regarded as an act of war against Pakistan, which will protect its citizens at all costs.
Pakistan also decided to stop all bilateral treaties with India, including the Shimla pact, and ordered any Indian with documents and permission to return to their country as soon as possible, but not later than 30 April 2025. Visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption scheme have also been suspended by Pakistan, just like India.
The Indian personnel in Islamabad have been declared “persona non grata” and asked to leave within a week. The committee announced that the country’s military is “fully capable and prepared” to deal with any aggression to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Condemning the brutal killings in Pahalgam, it said that India’s actions are devoid of proof and are irresponsible.
