Pakistan responds to India’s diplomatic actions over Pahalgam terror attack
Pakistan has announced a series of strong retaliatory measures against India, including the suspension of trade and the closure of its airspace to Indian airlines. The actions come after India took significant diplomatic steps in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, convened a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to discuss the situation, and a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the country’s stance on the matter.
Pakistan to suspend Indus waters treaty and other bilateral agreements
In a stern response to India’s move to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, Pakistan declared that it would suspend all bilateral agreements with India. This includes, but is not limited to, the 1972 Simla Agreement, which has historically governed relations between the two nations. Pakistan condemned India’s decision, labelling any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty as “an Act of War.”
Closure of airspace and suspension of trade with India
As part of its retaliation, Pakistan announced the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines. This move is a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Furthermore, Pakistan has suspended all trade with India, including trade to and from third countries via Pakistan. This includes shutting down the crucial Wagah border post, a key trade route between the two nations.
Diplomatic retaliation: Reduction of diplomatic staff and expulsion of defence officials
In another tit-for-tat action, Pakistan has decided to reduce the strength of its High Commission in India to 30 members. Additionally, Pakistan has expelled Indian defence officials from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, mirroring India’s earlier actions following the terror attack in Pahalgam. These moves are aimed at sending a clear message to India about Pakistan’s disapproval of the recent diplomatic measures.
Rising tensions between India and Pakistan
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and other bilateral agreements, along with the closure of airspace and the Wagah border post, marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Both countries continue to grapple with a range of sensitive issues, with the Indus Waters dispute adding another layer of complexity to their already fraught relationship.
