ISLAMABAD, April 24 – Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated sharply after India’s announcement regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting an urgent meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC). The high-level session, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was held to assess the regional security dynamics following the recent incident in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and India’s subsequent statements.
Indus Waters Treaty: A Binding Agreement Under Threat
The National Security Committee issued a strong condemnation of India’s move, labeling it both unilateral and without legal basis. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, is considered an internationally binding accord between the two countries. The NSC emphasized that the treaty holds no provision for suspension or unilateral withdrawal, and any action to halt or divert the water allocated to Pakistan would be a direct violation of international commitments.
In its statement, the committee declared water as a critical national interest and lifeline for Pakistan’s population of over 240 million. “Any attempt to interrupt the flow of water due to Pakistan, as outlined under the treaty, will be regarded as an act of war,” the NSC warned. It further stated that such a move would be met with full force across all dimensions of national power.
Diplomatic Fallout and Visa Cancellations
In response to what it termed India’s “reckless and provocative behavior,” Pakistan has undertaken a range of diplomatic and administrative steps. The Wagah Border crossing, a key point of land transit between the two countries, has been ordered closed immediately. While those with valid documentation who have already crossed may return before April 30, 2025, no further movement through this route will be permitted.
Furthermore, Pakistan has immediately revoked all visas previously granted to Indian citizens under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with the sole exception of Sikh pilgrims traveling for religious purposes. Indian visitors under SVES are instructed to leave the country within 48 hours, with the exception of those pilgrims.
Further escalating the diplomatic strain, Pakistan declared the Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad unwelcome and ordered them to leave immediately. These officials, along with their supporting staff, are required to exit the country by the end of April. Pakistan has also announced that the Indian High Commission in Islamabad must downsize its staff, allowing only 30 diplomats and employees to remain beyond the specified date.
Airspace and Trade Severed
In a sweeping set of measures, Pakistan has also decided to close its airspace to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated aircraft with immediate effect. This includes commercial, cargo, and private flights. Alongside this, the NSC confirmed the suspension of all forms of trade with India, including transactions that route through third countries but originate from or are destined to India.
These actions reflect a clear and firm stance from Islamabad, demonstrating the seriousness with which it views the current situation. The NSC reiterated that the nation and its armed forces are fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This readiness was underscored by Pakistan’s response to India’s February 2019 incursion, which was described as both measured and decisive.
Reasserting Rights and Exposing Hypocrisy
The committee also took the opportunity to highlight longstanding grievances regarding India’s internal and regional conduct. It emphasized that Kashmir remains an unresolved international dispute and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, along with demographic changes, political disenfranchisement, and religious persecution, were cited as root causes of the ongoing unrest.
India’s state-sponsored actions, particularly targeting minorities, were condemned, and its attempts to link Pakistan to terrorist attacks without credible evidence were dismissed as politically motivated and factually baseless. The NSC said these accusations are part of a broader campaign to shift blame, fuel hostility, and distract from domestic governance failures.
Pakistan also reminded the international community of past incidents that serve as evidence of Indian state involvement in activities that undermine regional peace. It specifically referred to the case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving Indian naval officer convicted of espionage and sabotage activities within Pakistan.
Final Warning and Call for Responsibility
The NSC concluded by warning India against using tragic incidents like the recent Pahalgam attack as political tools to justify aggression or stir nationalist sentiment. It stressed that such acts only serve to further inflame tensions and obstruct meaningful dialogue.
Moreover, it urged the international community to recognize India’s increasing willingness to violate international norms, including instances of extraterritorial actions against dissidents abroad. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring those involved in such violations are held accountable.
Finally, the NSC reiterated that while Pakistan seeks peace, its patience must not be mistaken for weakness. The nation stands united, vigilant, and ready to defend its rights, interests, and sovereignty with resolve and determination.