ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a sharp escalation of diplomatic hostilities, Pakistan has suspended key bilateral agreements with India, expelled Indian diplomats, and shut the Wagah border, citing India’s “unilateral and provocative actions” following the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. These decisions were announced after an emergency session of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Wagah Border Closed, Indian Nationals Ordered to Leave
Pakistan’s NSC has ordered the closure of the Wagah border, a vital land crossing point, to all traffic except Sikh pilgrims, who are temporarily exempt from the ban. Indian nationals present in Pakistan have been directed to exit the country within 48 hours. The NSC also announced the suspension of all visas issued to Indian citizens under the SAARC framework.
Indian defense, naval, and air attachés posted in Islamabad were declared persona non grata and instructed to leave Pakistan. In line with this, staff at the Indian High Commission will be reduced to a cap of 30 personnel.
Airspace, Trade Routes with India Suspended
Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and halted all forms of trade with India, including indirect routes via third-party nations. The sweeping measures are part of Pakistan’s response to what it called a “false flag” operation by India and its subsequent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
NSC Condemns India’s Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
The Pakistani government strongly rejected India’s unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a World Bank-mediated agreement governing water-sharing between the two nations. “There is no clause in the treaty that allows unilateral suspension,” the NSC said, declaring any attempts to block Pakistan’s rightful water share as an “act of war.”
The NSC emphasized that water security is a core national interest and pledged to raise the issue at international platforms.
Simla Accord Put on Hold
In a move without precedent since its signing, Pakistan announced the suspension of the 1972 Simla Accord, which serves as the cornerstone for diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The decision signals a dramatic deterioration in the framework for conflict resolution between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
NSC Reaffirms National Defense Posture
The committee was briefed on the operational readiness of the Pakistani armed forces and reiterated that any aggressive move by India would be met with a “full-force response.” Emphasizing the need for “restraint and maturity,” the NSC reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international law while asserting the country’s right to defend its sovereignty.
Two-Nation Theory Revisited
Concluding its session, the NSC invoked the Two-Nation Theory, the ideological foundation for Pakistan’s creation, stating: “India’s aggression and discriminatory policies have once again proven the fundamental need for a separate homeland for Muslims.”
The committee also accused India of attempting to exploit the Pahalgam tragedy for political gain and called on New Delhi to halt what it termed “state terrorism” and comply with international resolutions on the Kashmir dispute.
