No compromise on sovereignty and security: FO

ISLAMABAD: Addressing the media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said on Friday that Pakistan will not lets security and sovereignty be compromised in any way and slammed India’s ‘veiled threats’ as ‘irresponsible’ response. FO reiterated the various decisions taken during the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday stating that the Wagah Border has been closed off and all trade relations have been suspended.

“Pakistan and its armed forces are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty, borders, and people,” he asserted, signalling a firm stance amid rising tensions following the Tuesday attack in Pahalgam in Indian Occupied Kashmir killing 24.

The NSC had strongly condemned India’s recent statements and called on the international community to take notice of India’s alleged violations of international law, including extraterritorial killings and involvement in terrorism incidents.

Pak-Ind tension: 28 Pakistanis return home as 120 Indians sent back

In a significant escalation, Pakistan categorically rejected India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, with the Khan declaring that “water is a life-and-death issue for Pakistan.” He warned that any attempt by India to block or divert water would be considered an “act of war.” Pakistan also reserved the right to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Accord.

Pakistan’s airspace has been closed to all Indian airlines, and all commercial ties between the two countries have been suspended immediately. The Wagah border has been shut down, with only repatriation permitted until April 30.

The briefing also touched upon recent diplomatic engagements, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Türkiye on April 22, where he discussed trade and industrial cooperation. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also made a one-day trip to Kabul, holding talks with Afghan interim government leaders on security matters.