In a bold move that marks a significant turning point in regional diplomacy, Pakistan has suspended all bilateral ties with India, including trade, travel, and diplomatic engagements, following what it calls "provocative and irresponsible actions" by the Modi-led government.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, flanked by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, outlined a comprehensive series of retaliatory measures at a press briefing in Islamabad. These actions, the ministers said, are both legally sound and diplomatically essential to uphold Pakistan’s sovereignty.
“India cannot unilaterally terminate international agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty,” Dar asserted, referring to the 1960 World Bank-brokered water-sharing pact. He labeled India’s attempt to suspend the treaty as an act of aggression and warned of severe consequences under international law.
Diplomatic fallout
Pakistan has declared two dozen Indian diplomats—particularly military attachés—persona non grata, giving them a deadline of April 30 to leave. The Indian High Commission staff will be cut to just 30, while Pakistani representation in New Delhi is also being scaled down.
In addition, all Indian visas—except those granted to Sikh pilgrims—have been revoked, and visitors currently in Pakistan under the SAARC visa scheme must exit within 48 hours.
Airspace closed to India
In a move likely to cost India millions daily, Pakistan has shut down its airspace for all Indian aircraft. “Whether it's commercial, cargo, or private planes—no Indian flight will be allowed through Pakistani airspace,” Dar declared.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called it a "strategic economic hit" that will disrupt India-operated aviation routes extensively.
India accused of state terrorism
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif didn’t hold back, accusing India of sponsoring terrorism. “Modi is the only PM globally who had a U.S. visa ban for terror links,” he reminded, citing Kulbhushan Jadhav and cross-border terrorism via the BLA and TTP as evidence.
He also questioned the timing and execution of the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a "false flag operation" to justify aggressive posturing before elections.
Pakistan on high alert
Dar confirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully alert and prepared for any Indian misadventure. “Foreign elements with advanced equipment are active in Kashmir. Our agencies are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
Global outreach
Pakistan has informed the UN and key international stakeholders, including the U.S., about India's unilateral actions. Dar further said that as Pakistan assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council in July, it will raise important issues such as state-sponsored terrorism, water security, and regional stability.
NSC meeting & legal review
A high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, has already reviewed the situation. Officials, including the PMO, armed forces, legal experts, and foreign office representatives, are strategizing Pakistan’s next diplomatic and legal steps.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty is binding, having survived two wars and decades of hostility. “Pakistan is acting responsibly—not emotionally. But we will protect every drop of our water and every inch of our sovereignty,” Dar concluded.
