Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has issued a stern warning to India in response to what it describes as the Pahalgam false flag operation stating that any misadventure will be met with a befitting and forceful reply.
Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan, Dar emphasized that any attempt by India to divert or suspend water flows under the Indus Water Treaty would be considered an act of war.
He asserted that India has no legal authority to unilaterally suspend or hold the treaty in abeyance.
Dar urged India to present any evidence it claims to have to Pakistan or the international community, underscoring that Pakistan possesses concrete intelligence about the presence of foreign elements in Srinagar allegedly equipped with heavy weaponry.
He added that Pakistani intelligence agencies have verified that Indian intelligence is supporting such groups in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, an area he described as a disputed territory recognized by international law.
The minister stressed that the armed forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to respond to any threats or provocations.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif accused India of planning terrorist attacks within Pakistani cities and warned that any aggression would be met with a severe response.
He said India is waging a low-intensity war against Pakistan, using proxies like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to carry out subversive activities. Asif further alleged that India's involvement in terrorism extends beyond the region, citing incidents in Canada and the United States.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar added that Pakistan has responded to India's threats by escalating its diplomatic and security posture, asserting that India is leveraging terrorism for its domestic political gains.
Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan clarified that India has no legal grounds to withdraw from the Indus Water Treaty unilaterally and emphasized that Pakistan is equipped with all necessary legal options to counter any such move.
He reaffirmed that the political leadership will be consulted on all developments and that parliament will be kept fully informed.
Meanwhile, the ministers announced a series of countermeasures against India in the aftermath of a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by top civil and military leadership.
DPM Ishaq Dar warned that any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s rightful share of water would be met with full force.
He added that Pakistan vehemently rejected the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and termed it tantamount to act of war.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, he said was regarded as a rare example of peaceful cooperation between the two countries.
Dar emphasized that the treaty does not contain any clause allowing unilateral suspension, calling India’s move a “gross violation of international law.”
While reading out Pakistan’s retaliatory measures, the DPM mentioned that the Attari-Wagah border was shut down with immediate effect along with all cross-border transit suspended, and individuals with valid endorsements until April 30 to return.
He added that all visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme to Indian nationals were cancelled, except for Sikh religious pilgrims, who may remain in Pakistan temporarily.
“Pakistan has declared Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted in Islamabad persona non grata.
“These officials must leave the country by April 30. The strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff,” he said.
In a major move, the minister said Pakistan had closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines, whereas all trade with India, including third-country transits through Pakistan, was suspended.
“India has a long history of using false flags and blame games to justify aggressive policies,” Dar said, asserting that Pakistan possesses credible evidence of foreigners entering Indian-held Kashmir, allegedly with the support of Indian intelligence agencies.
He said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a formal statement on the Pahalgam incident before India’s evening press briefing, expressing concern over the attack, he added.
Dar warned that unilateral Indian actions may prompt Pakistan to suspend other bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement.
Highlighting Pakistan’s growing global diplomatic role, Dar noted the country’s recent election to the UN Security Council for the 2025–2026 term with an unprecedented 182-vote majority.
He added that Pakistan would assume the rotating presidency of the UNSC in July 2025, and will use its platform to advocate for regional peace and justice.
He further stated that Pakistan has briefed friendly countries and UNSC permanent members on the situation and has proposed two amendments to a draft UNSC resolution concerning regional security and terrorism.
Dar emphasized Pakistan’s belief in multilateralism, diplomacy, and international law, while reaffirming that the government would continue to inform its people and global partners of future developments.