In a swift and sweeping response to what it termed India’s “reckless and provocative actions” following the deadly Pahalgam attack, Pakistan on Thursday announced the immediate closure of the Wagah Border crossing and the suspension of several key bilateral agreements, including the 1972 Shimla Agreement.
These decisions were made during an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and attended by senior civil and military leadership.
The meeting was convened after India accused Pakistan of being behind a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist area in India-held Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed.
The NSC categorically rejected the allegations, calling the incident a “false flag operation” and condemned India’s subsequent “politically motivated and legally indefensible” actions.
Wagah Border Closed, Shimla Agreement suspended
Among the most immediate measures, Pakistan announced the closure of the Wagah Border for all cross-border transit, effective immediately. The government has given those who crossed into Pakistan with valid endorsements until April 30 to return through the same route.
The NSC also placed all bilateral agreements with India “in abeyance,” including the Shimla Agreement, stating that such agreements will remain suspended until India halts what Pakistan described as its “state-sponsored terrorism, transnational assassinations, and violations of international law.”
“Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India in abeyance until India desists from its manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
India’s Indus Waters Treaty suspension deemed ‘act of war’
India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—a World Bank-brokered agreement that has survived wars and conflicts—was met with severe criticism from Islamabad. The NSC warned that any attempt by India to block or divert Pakistan’s water share under the treaty would be considered an act of war.
“Water is a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis. Any attempt to violate the IWT will be responded to with full force across the complete spectrum of national power,” the NSC declared.
Trade, airspace, and visas also suspended
Pakistan also announced the suspension of all trade with India, including third-party transit trade. Additionally, its airspace has been closed to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines with immediate effect.
All Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Indian nationals have been revoked, except for those held by Sikh pilgrims visiting religious sites such as Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES have been given 48 hours to leave.
Diplomatic downgrade and expulsions
In a reciprocal move to India’s downgrading of diplomatic ties, Pakistan declared the Indian defence, naval, and air advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, ordering them and their support staff to leave the country by April 30. The strength of India’s High Commission in Islamabad has been capped at 30 personnel.
India earlier summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat, Saad Ahmad Warraich, while also suspending the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Pakistani government in India.
Religious pilgrims not targeted
In a gesture aimed at preserving religious harmony, Pakistan made it clear that Sikh pilgrims will remain unaffected by the new visa restrictions and expulsion orders.
“We honour our commitment to religious freedom. The Sikh Yatris are our guests and will be treated with the utmost respect and care,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson.
International concerns and domestic reactions
Tensions flared after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to hunt down those responsible for the Pahalgam attack, allegedly carried out by a group called The Resistance Front. Modi promised a “loud and clear” response and stated that the attackers would be pursued “to the ends of the Earth.”
Indian media, quoting police in India-held Kashmir, claimed the attackers were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group. Pakistan has strongly denied any involvement and offered condolences for the loss of civilian lives.
Analysts warn of long-term fallout
International analysts and diplomats have expressed concern that the deterioration in Indo-Pak ties could have long-term consequences for regional stability. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, in particular, marks a watershed moment in bilateral relations.
“This is arguably the most serious crisis between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since the Pulwama-Balakot standoff in 2019,” said South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman, warning that a prolonged standoff could jeopardize peace efforts for years to come.
Meanwhile, protests erupted across cities in both countries, with demonstrators in Islamabad and Lahore condemning India’s actions, particularly the suspension of the IWT. In New Delhi, protesters gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission, shouting slogans and clashing with security forces.
