Pakistan Strongly Rejects India’s Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty, Announces Firm Countermeasures
Pakistan has firmly rejected India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, labeling it a violation of international law and a provocation. The decision came during a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held in Islamabad under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The NSC reviewed the security and regional environment, especially in light of the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The forum made it clear that the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, is a binding international agreement that does not allow for any unilateral suspension. Pakistan emphasized that water is a vital national interest and any effort to disrupt its flow would be seen as an act of war, warranting a comprehensive national response.
Criticizing India’s pattern of bypassing international norms and obligations, the committee warned that Pakistan could reconsider all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, until India stops sponsoring terrorism inside Pakistan, engaging in extrajudicial killings, and ignoring UN resolutions on Kashmir.
Key decisions taken by the committee include:
- Immediate closure of the Wagah border post to all cross-border traffic, with exceptions only for valid endorsements returning by April 30, 2025.
- Suspension and cancellation of all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas issued to Indian nationals, except for Sikh pilgrims. Indian visitors under SVES must leave within 48 hours.
- Declaration of Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, requiring them and their support staff to leave Pakistan by April 30.
- Reduction of Indian High Commission staff to 30 personnel.
- Immediate closure of Pakistani airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines.
- Complete halt of trade with India, including indirect trade via third countries.
The NSC reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and pointed to the measured military response in February 2019 as proof of its resolve.
The committee condemned India’s use of tragic events like the Pahalgam attack to further political agendas and distract from its internal failures. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combat terrorism and highlighted India’s role in destabilizing the region, citing the confession of Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav as irrefutable evidence of Indian-sponsored terrorism.
Additionally, the committee called out India’s media for spreading propaganda and inciting tensions, urging the international community to take note of India’s extraterritorial actions and violations of international law.
Pakistan stressed that peace remains its priority, but warned that it will never compromise on its sovereignty, security, or the rights of its people.
