Water War Looms: Pakistan Cuts All Ties with India
News Desk
Islamabad: In a significant escalation of diplomatic measures, Pakistan has suspended all bilateral agreements with India following what it termed a “false flag operation” in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, and India’s unilateral move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
The decisions were finalized during an emergency session of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by senior military and intelligence leadership, including the services chiefs and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Pakistan Seals Border, Cuts Diplomatic Ties
The NSC condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling it a tragic loss of innocent lives, including tourists, and accused India of politicizing the incident.
In response, Pakistan has decided to immediately close the Wagah border for all Indian nationals, effective May 1, allowing a brief window until April 30 for departures. Sikh pilgrims are exempted from the expulsion order. Indian citizens currently in Pakistan have been directed to leave the country within 48 hours.
Visa services for Indian nationals under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework have also been suspended.
Furthermore, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad has been instructed to reduce its staff to 30 members, while Pakistan has declared defense, naval, and air advisors at the mission as “persona non grata” and ordered their expulsion.
In a parallel move, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspended all trade with India, including through third-party countries.
Indus Waters Treaty, Simla Accord Suspended
The NSC categorically rejected India’s suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a binding international accord brokered by the World Bank. The committee emphasized that no provision in the treaty allows for unilateral termination, warning that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water share would be treated as an act of war.
In a historic move, Pakistan also announced the suspension of the Simla Accord—an agreement signed in 1972 to guide peace and conflict resolution between the two countries. The NSC asserted that India’s recent actions have undermined the agreement’s relevance.
Reaffirmation of Two-Nation Theory
The NSC statement underscored that India’s conduct has validated the ideological foundation of Pakistan—the Two-Nation Theory. “India’s aggression and discriminatory policies reinforce the necessity of a separate homeland for Muslims,” the committee declared.
Read More:https://thepenpk.com/water-diverting-could-be-considered-an-act-of-war-pakistan/
The NSC dismissed India’s accusations linking the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan as “baseless and irresponsible,” reiterating that Pakistan has provided undeniable proof of Indian-sponsored terrorism. The statement cited the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav as clear evidence of Indian involvement in subversive activities within Pakistan.
The committee also demanded an end to India’s state terrorism and targeted killings, urging New Delhi to honor international resolutions concerning the Kashmir dispute. Until these conditions are met, Pakistan announced that all bilateral agreements will remain suspended.
Pakistan Prepares for Any Aggression
The NSC reviewed the operational preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces, expressing satisfaction with their readiness to counter any Indian aggression. It also resolved to highlight India’s unilateral actions—particularly on water sharing and diplomatic expulsions—at international forums and institutions.
While emphasizing the need for restraint, the NSC reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and legal rights under international law.
