Pakistan has announced the suspension of trade, bilateral agreements, and the closure of airspaces with India in response to India’s aggressive measures following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The retaliatory actions came after gunmen opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 people and injuring 17 others in what is considered the deadliest attack on civilians in the region since 2000. A previously unknown group, “The Resistance Front,” reportedly claimed responsibility for the assault.
One of the key Indian moves in response to the attack was the unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a historic agreement brokered by the World Bank that has endured despite years of conflict. Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), convened in Islamabad to discuss the situation, condemned India’s actions and issued a series of retaliatory measures.
National Security Committee’s Response
During the NSC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior government and military officials discussed the regional security environment, particularly following the Pahalgam attack. The committee expressed its concerns over the loss of lives in Kashmir and denounced India’s measures as politically motivated, illegal, and irresponsible.
In response, Pakistan suspended several key agreements with India, including the 1972 Simla Agreement, and announced the closure of the Wagah Border with India. The NSC also issued a firm warning regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing that any Indian attempts to block or divert water would be seen as an “act of war.”
“Water is a vital national interest for Pakistan,” the statement emphasized. “Any attempt to halt or divert the flow of water from India to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty will be met with full force and could escalate into broader conflict.”
Diplomatic and Trade Actions
In addition to the suspension of trade, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian-owned or operated airlines and revoked all visas granted under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), except for Sikh pilgrims. Pakistani authorities also instructed Indian nationals in Pakistan to leave within 48 hours, and Pakistani diplomats in India were given a deadline to leave.
The suspension of the Simla Agreement, along with the closure of the Wagah Border, marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Pakistan’s decision was framed as a direct response to India’s unsubstantiated claims and violations of international agreements.
Accusations and Denials
India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, an allegation that Pakistan has firmly denied. The NSC criticized India’s attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack without any credible evidence. Pakistan called for India to cease its “cynical exploitation” of such incidents to advance a political agenda and to instead focus on addressing human rights violations in Kashmir.
Pakistan’s leadership also took aim at India’s foreign policy, describing its reaction as “immature” and “hasty.” They pointed out that India’s accusations were unsupported by evidence and warned against taking actions that could lead to further instability in the region.
Indian Retaliation and Tensions Mount
In response, India has announced a series of punitive measures, including the closure of the Attari border checkpoint, the withdrawal of Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and the expulsion of Pakistani defense personnel from India. India’s Foreign Ministry also ordered a reduction in the strength of the Pakistani diplomatic mission.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking after the attack, vowed to pursue the perpetrators “to the ends of the Earth” and stated that those responsible would face severe consequences. This rhetoric has further inflamed tensions, with analysts warning that the situation could lead to a new crisis between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Public Outrage and Protests
Public protests have erupted in both countries, with Pakistanis demonstrating against India’s actions. In Pakistan, protesters voiced their determination to defend their rights to water and sovereignty. Similarly, in India, the opposition has expressed concerns about security lapses and criticized the government’s handling of the situation.
International Impact and Analysis
Diplomatic observers have cautioned that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the broader diplomatic fallout could have long-term consequences, particularly regarding water disputes and the possibility of military escalation. Some analysts have suggested that the ongoing tensions could escalate into a full-blown crisis, similar to the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot conflict.
Former Pakistani officials and diplomats have emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty is a crucial international agreement that cannot be suspended unilaterally and warned that India’s actions could undermine regional stability.
As tensions continue to rise, both nations seem to be locked in a cycle of retaliatory measures, with no clear path to de-escalation in sight. The coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether diplomatic solutions can be found or if the conflict will deepen further.
