Islamabad vows strong response to India, cuts trade ties, closes airspace

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Security Committee vows a strong and befitting response to India’s water aggression after New Delhi unilaterally suspended the Indus Water Treaty in response to the recent Palagam attack.

The high-level security meeting held today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rejected the Indian allegations against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack.

Rejecting India’s unilateral decision to suspend IWT, the top-level security body of Pakistan has warned to give a befitting reply to the neighboring rival in case of any water or border adventure.

“Any move by India to divert the flow of water, lawfully belonging to Pakistan, will be considered an act of war,” the NSC statement said.

In response to India’s slew of aggressive measures, the NSC decided to close down the Wagah Border Post, with immediate effect, and all cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception.

“Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than 30 April 2025,” the statement released by the PMO said.

Pakistan also suspends all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals and deems them cancelled with immediate effect, except Sikh religious pilgrims.

Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES are instructed to exit within 48 hours, less Sikh pilgrims, it read.

In addition to that, Pakistan also declared “the Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad persona non grata.”

They have been directed to leave Pakistan immediately, but not later than 30 April 2025. Support staff of these Advisers are also directed to return to India, the statement read.

“The strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, with effect from April 30, 2025.”

In another measure, the top-level committee further decided that Pakistan’s airspace will be closed for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines with immediate effect.

The security body also decided to “suspend all trade with India, including to and from any third country through Pakistan.”

The NSC underscored that Pakistan and its armed forces “remain fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure, as demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India’s reckless incursion in February 2019”, the PMO statement added.

“The Pakistani nation remains committed to peace, but will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity, and their inalienable rights,” the country’s top civilian and military leadership asserted.

‘Indian measures are extremely irresponsible’

Expressing concern over the loss of tourists’ lives, the National Security Committee reviewed the Indian measures announced on Wednesday and “termed them unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible, and devoid of legal merit.”

On the recent allegations, the NSC said, “In the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, attempts to link the Pahalgam attack with Pakistan are frivolous, devoid of rationality, and defeat logic.”

The statement added that India’s “attempts to inject volatility in the environment along Pakistan’s eastern borders are aimed at distracting Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.”

It added that India must resist the temptation to exploit such tragic incidents to its advantage and take full responsibility for its failure to provide security to the people.

“Any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains,” it warned.

The forum observed that Kashmir remains an unresolved dispute between Pakistan and India, as recognized through multiple UN resolutions. Pakistan continues to support the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, it reads.

The continued Indian state oppression, abrogation of statehood, and political and demographic gerrymandering have persistently led to an organic backlash from the people of IIOJK, which perpetuates cycles of violence.

“India’s systemic persecution of minorities, particularly Muslims, has become more pervasive. Attempts at forced passage of the Waqf Bill are the latest effort to marginalize Muslims across India,” the communiqué added.

It said Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

“As the world’s front-line state against terrorism, Pakistan has suffered immense human and economic losses.”