Islamabad: In a firm response to India’s recent actions following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has announced a series of countermeasures, including the suspension of bilateral agreements, closure of its airspace and borders to Indian traffic, and the termination of trade relations.
These decisions were made during a high-level meeting of the National Security Committee chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday. The meeting was convened to respond to India’s actions announced a day earlier.
Among the key measures, Pakistan has demanded the departure of Indian defense attachés and their aides, while also ordering a reduction in diplomatic staff. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be restricted to a maximum of 30 personnel from April 30, 2025.
The committee strongly rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s share of river water would be considered an act of war and met with full force.
Condemning what it termed India’s reckless and irresponsible behavior, the statement declared that Pakistan reserves the right to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Shimla Agreement, until India ceases support for terrorism within Pakistan, stops extrajudicial killings abroad, and adheres to UN resolutions on Kashmir.
Effective immediately, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines and sealed the Wagah border crossing for all travel and transport. Exceptions will only be made for individuals who had already crossed into India with valid documents—they may return to Pakistan via this route until April 30.
Pakistan also suspended all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims. Indian citizens currently in Pakistan under this program must leave the country within 48 hours.
In addition, all forms of trade with India, including those routed through third countries, have been halted.
The Indian defense attachés in Islamabad have been declared persona non grata and instructed to leave the country immediately, along with their supporting staff.
