The relationship between India and Pakistan, which was already strained, took another hit following the recent attack in India-occupied Kashmir that claimed more than 25 lives. This brutal incident has become a major talking point, and in its aftermath, India responded with a series of strict actions against Pakistan, five, to be precise. Among these, one move that particularly shocked Pakistan was India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. This action, taken in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, drew a sharp reaction from Islamabad, with a senior Pakistani minister calling it an act of “water warfare”. In retaliation, Pakistan has also imposed several restrictions following India’s tough calls.
In response to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and other punitive measures following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 28 people, Pakistan has announced a series of sharp retaliatory actions, significantly escalating diplomatic tensions.
In the recent update, Pakistan has retaliated by taking several major steps:
Immediate closure of Pakistani airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines, disrupting flight operations between India and regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia that rely on Pakistani airspace for shorter routes.
Complete suspension of all bilateral trade with India, including the transit of goods to and from third countries through Pakistani territory, severely affecting cross-border commerce and regional supply chains.
Closure of the Wagah border crossing, halting all movement from India via this key land route. Indian nationals who entered Pakistan through Wagah have been asked to return by April 30.
Suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the 1972 Simla Agreement, a major peace treaty signed after the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Cancellation of all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (except for Sikh religious pilgrims), with Indians currently in Pakistan instructed to leave within 48 hours.
Declaration of Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, ordering their departure by April 30, and reducing the Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30 members.
Pakistan's government also rejected New Delhi’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack, calling the treaty a “lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis.” The statement warned that any attempt to “obstruct or redirect” treaty-guaranteed water flows would be regarded as an “act of war.”