'Act of war': Pakistan reacts to India's Indus Waters Treaty suspension, announces retaliatory steps

NEW DELHI: Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting a series of diplomatic and strategic countermeasures from both nations. India’s move to suspend the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty has deeply unsettled Pakistan, which stated that the decision will be treated as "an act of war."

In a swift response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee convened an emergency meeting and announced a slew of retaliatory steps. One such step is a proposed closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines. Additionally, the committee decided to shut the Wagah border and suspend the Simla Agreement.

Pakistan has also halted all trade with India. Following India’s move the previous day, Pakistan has temporarily suspended all visas for Indian citizens. Moreover, Pakistan has asked all military advisors at the Indian High Commission to leave the country by April 30. Under the SAARC visa exemption scheme, Indian citizens currently in Pakistan have been asked to leave within 48 hours — the only exception being Sikh pilgrims.

Meanwhile, India has enforced a series of strong measures against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. India has decided to cancel all visas issued to Pakistani citizens, including those for medical treatment. All visa services will be completely suspended. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, these actions were taken based on decisions made during the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting convened in response to the Pahalgam attack.