NSC dubs India’s measures ‘irresponsible, unilateral, unjust’

ISLAMABAD: In light of the jingoistic response of India to the Pahalgam attack in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Thursday led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has now concluded. Pakistan dubs the measures taken by India on April 24 as ‘unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible and devoid of legal merit’. The Committee has decided to close off Wagah border with India, and cancel all visas issued under SAARC scheme save those from the Sikh community. The PM office stated that the Pakistani nation remains committed to peace, but will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity and their inalienable rights.

Following are the decisions taken following the high-level meeting:

• Noting the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of India, which disregards international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions and international obligations at will, Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India including but not limited to Simla Agreement in abeyance, till India desists from its manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan; trans-national killings; and non-adherence to international law and UN Resolutions on Kashmir
  
• Pakistan vehemently rejects the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The Treaty is a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension. Water is a Vital National Interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs. Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power.
  
• All trade with India including to and from any third country through Pakistan is suspended forthwith

• Pakistan shall close down the Wagah Border Post, with immediate effect. All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception. Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than 30 April 2025

• Pakistan suspends all visas under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals and deems them cancelled with immediate effect, with the exception of Sikh religious pilgrims. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES are instructed to exit within 48 hours, less Sikh pilgrims

• Pakistan declares the Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors in Islamabad persona non grata. They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than 30 April 2025. These posts in the Indian High Commission are deemed annulled. Support staff of these Advisors are also directed to return to India

• The strength of Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, with effect from 30 April 2025

• Pakistan’s airspace will be closed with immediate effect for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines

• All trade with India including to and from any third country through Pakistan is suspended forthwith

The committee meeting attended by top military leadership, federal ministers, NSC members, and senior officials has vowed a strong response to any Indian misadventure. The committee also expressed satisfaction over military’s preparedness to counter any response by India.

Pakistan greenlights tough response to India’s diplomatic/water aggression, denies Pahalgam claims, may go global on Indus Treaty breach: sources”

According to sources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was to present proposals against India’s unilateral actions, subject to NSC approval, while a legal and effective response is also being finalised to counter India’s moves.

India’s cancellation of Indus Water Treaty will also be considered with potential diplomatic avenues to be explored like a UN resolution, ICJ case, or World Bank mediation. Bilateral plans including Shimla Agreement may also be revised while a deterrence strategy will also be formulated.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, along with Information Minister Ata Tarrar arrived in the Prime Minister House while CM Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif is to reach shortly as well. Attorney General Mansoor Awan had also reached the PM House for the meeting.

National Security Committee (NSC) called by PM

Pakistan had summoned a meeting of the NSC on Thursday (today) after India announced a raft of measures to downgrade its ties with Pakistan on Wednesday, a day after suspected militants killed 26 men at Pahalgam, a tourist destination in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jamu and Kashmir. 

Indian media’s anti-Pakistan propaganda exposed after Pahalgam

The committee — composed of senior civil and military officials and summoned only in cases of external threat or major terror attack — will meet Thursday, deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar, who is also the foreign minister, said on X, according to AFP. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be chairing the NSC session with all services chiefs in attendance.

He said that an appropriate response will be thrashed out in response to the steps announced by New Delhi.