Synopsis
On April 24, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned an emergency NSC meeting after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident left 27 Indian tourists dead, prompting severe measures from India, including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border.Key Takeaways
- Emergency NSC meeting called by Pakistan.
- India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
- 27 Indian tourists killed in Pahalgam attack.
- Strong condemnation from Pakistan's leaders.
- India enacts strict measures against Pakistan.
Islamabad, April 24 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, convened an urgent session of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This suspension was triggered by a deadly assault in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where tourists were brutally murdered after their religious identities were confirmed.
The horrific event resulted in the deaths of at least 27 Indian tourists, with 17 others sustaining injuries.
Pakistan asserts that India's actions lack credibility, and a robust response will follow the NSC meeting.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, condemned India's recent decision to suspend the IWT, close the Wagah-Attari border, and revoke visas for Pakistani citizens, describing these actions as “unserious and inappropriate.”
“India has not provided any evidence linking Pakistan to recent terrorist activities and seems to be reacting out of frustration. Its announcements demonstrate a lack of seriousness,” Dar stated.
“India blames Pakistan whenever it encounters a crisis,” he added.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, New Delhi initiated several immediate actions against Pakistan.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared that these decisions were made after a briefing to the Union Cabinet regarding the terror incident.
“The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 will be suspended immediately until Pakistan credibly renounces its support for cross-border terrorism,” Misri declared.
Additionally, Misri revealed that the Wagah-Attari border will be closed right away, marking a key route for trade and civilian movement between India and Pakistan. A ban on Pakistani nationals entering India has been imposed, and those already in India have been given 48 hours to exit.
The Indian Foreign Secretary also announced the expulsion of all Pakistani military advisors, comprising personnel from the Air Force, Army, and Navy stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, granting them one week to vacate.
Furthermore, India is recalling three military service advisors and at least five support staff from its High Commission in Islamabad.
Misri indicated that the Cabinet meeting resolved that “Pakistani nationals will not be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).”
“All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani nationals are canceled. Any Pakistani currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave,” he added.
India has also chosen to reduce the personnel count at its High Commission in Islamabad from 55 to 30.
India's strong response to the Pahalgam attack has compelled Pakistan to prepare an official reply, for which an NSC emergency meeting has been convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“India’s statements are inappropriate, and the NSC will provide a comprehensive response,” stated Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar.
“It is unjust to express anger over terrorism directed at Pakistan. If India possesses any evidence beyond mere accusations, it should present it,” asserted Dar, emphasizing that Pakistan will respond appropriately to New Delhi's actions.
Pakistan’s Power Minister Awais Leghari characterized India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) as a reckless act of water warfare and an unlawful maneuver.
“Every drop of water is rightfully ours, and we will defend it with full vigor—legally, politically, and globally,” Leghari proclaimed.
