A day after India took strong diplomatic steps against Pakistan over the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has responded with several strict measures. These include closing the Wagah border, canceling all SAARC visas for Indian nationals (except Sikh pilgrims), and shutting its airspace for Indian airlines.
India’s actions came after one of the worst civilian attacks in recent times in the Kashmir Valley. In response, New Delhi announced five major steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries.
On Thursday, after a meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Islamabad described India’s actions as “unilateral, unfair, politically motivated and legally baseless.”
What Pakistan has decided:
- Wagah border closed: All movement from India through the Wagah route is now stopped. Indian citizens in Pakistan through this route must leave by April 30.
- SAARC visas canceled: All visas given under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme to Indian citizens are now canceled, except for Sikh pilgrims. Indians currently in Pakistan under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.
- Airspace closed: Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines.
- Trade stopped: All trade with India, including through other countries, has been suspended.
- Indian defence staff expelled: Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Pakistan have been declared persona non grata and must leave by April 30. Their roles in the Indian High Commission are also cancelled.
- Staff cut: India’s diplomatic staff in Pakistan will be reduced to 30 people by the end of this month.
Pakistan also strongly opposed India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an international agreement guaranteed by the World Bank.
India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism and held it responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan rejected these claims, calling them “baseless and unreasonable.”
Also Read: India suspends visas for Pak nationals
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