Pakistan briefs foreign diplomats about evolving situation

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch on Thursday briefed a group of Islamabad-based heads of mission and diplomats on the evolving situation following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office, the foreign secretary shared the outcomes of the National Security Committee meeting.

She rejected the Indian misinformation campaign against Pakistan and said that such tactics would obstruct the path to peace and stability in the region.

The foreign secretary underscored that Pakistan has always rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

She also cautioned against Indian attempts to escalate tensions and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to counter any misadventure.

Earlier, Pakistan hit back on Thursday with a string of tit-for-tat measures against India, who accused Islamabad of supporting “cross-border terrorism” following a brutal attack on Indian tourists.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) with top military officials, including Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, in attendance in response to India’s measures.

“Any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains,” a statement released by Prime Minister’s Office said after the NSC meeting.

New Delhi suspended a water-sharing treaty, announced the closure of the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties and withdrew visas for Pakistanis on Wednesday night, just over 24 hours after gunmen killed 26 men in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The slew of measures announced by the Pakistan government in response on Thursday included expelling Indian diplomats and cancelling visas for Indian nationals except Sikh pilgrims, according to AFP.

Pakistan also warned that it would consider any attempt by India to stop the supply of water from the Indus River an “act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power”.

Islamabad said Indian military advisers were “persona non grata”. “They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately,” the statement said.

Pakistan’s airspace was also closed with immediate effect “for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines”, while the main Wagah border crossing in Punjab was also closed.

“All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception,” the statement said.

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