Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has strongly rejected India's recent announcement to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it a violation of international law and a grave provocation.
The decision to respond decisively was made during a meeting of National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
The committee thoroughly examined the national security landscape and regional developments, particularly in light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, located in the Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)
During the session, participants emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty is a legally binding international accord, brokered by the World Bank, which does not allow for any unilateral suspension.
Declaring water as a matter of critical national interest for Pakistan and essential to the survival of its 240 million citizens, the NSC affirmed that any effort to disrupt or obstruct Pakistan’s water flow under the treaty will be regarded as an act of war. It warned that such a move would be met with a full-spectrum national response.
The committee noted that India was habitual disregard for international obligations, including violations of UN Security Council resolutions and other diplomatic norms.
In light of India’s persistent actions, which include what Pakistan views as support for terrorism on its soil, transnational targeted killings, and continued resistance to international legal frameworks concerning Kashmir, the NSC resolved to suspend all bilateral agreements with India. This includes but is not limited to the Simla Agreement.
A series of immediate measures were announced.
Pakistan will shut down the Wagah border crossingw, halting all cross-border movement through this channel. Those who previously crossed with valid documentation are permitted to return through Wagah by April 30, 2025. Furthermore, Pakistan has suspended all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Indian citizens, declaring them null and void, except for those issued to Sikh pilgrims. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES, excluding Sikh pilgrims, have been instructed to depart within 48 hours.
In a move signaling deep diplomatic displeasure, the Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad have been declared persona non grata and must exit the country by April 30, 2025. Their supporting staff are also required to leave. Additionally, Pakistan has directed a reduction in the Indian High Commission's staff strength, limiting it to 30 diplomats and employees effective the same date.
The NSC also announced that Pakistan’s airspace is now closed to all aircraft owned or operated by Indian entities. It has halted all trade with India, including transit trade involving third countries, with immediate effect.
Reiterating the readiness and capability of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the NSC recalled the country’s decisive but restrained response to India’s aerial incursion in February 2019 as a clear demonstration of resolve.
It declared that India’s confrontational steps serve only to validate the Two-Nation Theory and reaffirm the foresight of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as outlined in the 1940 Pakistan Resolution—sentiments that continue to resonate throughout the country.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, the committee made clear that this commitment does not extend to compromising the country’s sovereignty, security, or the dignity of its people.
The NSC also condemned India’s recent decisions as politically motivated, one-sided, legally baseless, and highly irresponsible. Expressing concern over the casualties in Pahalgam, the committee denounced India's attempt to exploit the incident for political gain.
The committee reiterated that Kashmir remains an unresolved issue recognized by various United Nations resolutions and that Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.
It highlighted ongoing Indian state oppression, revocation of special status, demographic changes, and religious targeting—particularly the forced imposition of the Waqf Bill—as indicators of systemic marginalization of Muslims in India.
Rejecting India's allegations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam incident as baseless and illogical, the NSC stated that these claims lack credible evidence and appear designed to deflect from India’s own internal security failures. Pakistan reaffirmed its categorical opposition to terrorism in all forms and emphasized its long-standing role as a frontline state against terrorism, one that has endured significant sacrifices.
The NSC further underscored that India’s attempts to incite instability along Pakistan’s eastern borders are a distraction from its own internal issues.
It pointed to evidence in its possession of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, including the case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving Indian Navy officer, as proof of India's covert activities.
Responding to what it called a veiled threat in the Indian statement issued Wednesday, Pakistan’s leadership urged the international community to remain alert to India’s involvement in extraterritorial assassinations and violations of international norms—recently exposed through credible evidence by Pakistan and corroborated by other states. It vowed to pursue those responsible for such acts and to ensure accountability.
The forum urged India to abandon its habitual pattern of shifting blame and manipulating tragic events for political ends. It warned that such tactics inflame regional tensions and obstruct any path toward meaningful peace.
“Extremely irresponsible warmongering Indian state controlled media, fueling volatility in the regional calculus is reprehensive, which requires serious introspection,” the NSC stated.