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Pakistan Faces 15% Indus Water Flow Drop as India Halts Treaty, Dams Near Depletion

June 8, 2025, 11:29 am

Pakistan is experiencing a critical water crisis due to the restriction of river flow by India under the Indus Waters Treaty, resulting in a 15% decline in Indus Basin water flow. Statistics viewed by CNN-News18 indicate that on June 5, water discharge fell to 1.24 lakh cusecs in Pakistan’s Punjab from 1.44 lakh cusecs last year on the same day.

Reservoir levels at Pakistan’s major dams have dropped perilously low to their dead level, signaling alarm for the Kharif season. The government of Pakistan predicts a probable 21% water shortage and has accused India of conducting “water war.”

Dams Near Dead Levels

Recent statistics show a critical condition in Pakistan’s dams. Tarbela Dam on the Indus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands at 1,465 metres, barely above its dead level of 1,402 metres. Chasma Dam in Punjab is at 644 metres, just six metres from its 638-metre dead mark.

Mangla Dam on the Jhelum in Mirpur has also dropped to 1,163 metres, uncomfortably close to its dead level of 1,050 metres. Water cannot drain by gravity below the threshold, making the reservoirs nearly useless for agriculture.

Punjab’s Kharif Season under Threat

A senior government official told CNN-News18 that the Kharif season, running from June to September, now faces a major threat. Since rainfall has not yet arrived and India has cut water supplies, crops across Pakistan’s Punjab face serious risk.

Chenab’s average discharge in Marala in Sialkot went from 26,645 cusecs on May 28 down to as little as 3,064 cusecs by June 5. The officials are concerned that the deficit could ruin early planting and irrigation phases.

Complementing the water crisis, Pakistan is expecting a severe heatwave from June 8. Day temperatures are expected to climb 5 to 7°C over average in central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The heatwave may increase water consumption, further straining Pakistan’s weak reserves.

Treaty Dispute Intensifies

Tensions have escalated since India decided to leave the Indus Waters Treaty on hold. New Delhi states that it will no longer endure both “blood and water” to flow towards Pakistan. PM Narendra Modi, who spoke on May 27 in Gujarat, justified the decision. He asserted that India was entitled to its share of water and blamed previous governments for their lack of vigilance.

PM Modi also condemned the restriction on desilting and dam gate operations in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the system took available reservoir capacity down from 100% to just 2-3%.

Pakistan Calls It “Act of War”

Pakistan has reacted with diplomatic indignation, dispatching four letters requiring India to reconsider its move. It blamed India for violating international norms and precipitating a crisis by obstructing supplies through the Chenab River. Authorities state that future clashes may occur over water if the current stalemate persists.

India and Pakistan agreed to the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 with the World Bank as mediator. It allocated India the right over the eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—and Pakistan the right over the western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. Each country had rights to limited use of the other’s rivers for hydropower and agriculture.

Now, the treaty is yet another point of contention in a tense bilateral relationship, with Pakistan observing its reservoirs shrink and crops dwindle.

India-Pakistan Ceasefire in Place, But Sanctions and Treaty Suspension Stay

May 11, 2025, 12:55 pm

India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire accord on Saturday after a mini but fierce exchange of gunfire and artillery attacks on each other’s military bases. The ceasefire came in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Even though this ad-hoc peace provides a respite from direct confrontation, India has stated that punitive actions will continue. These encompass the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, visa restrictions, suspended trade and airspace access, and closure of the Kartarpur Corridor.

By tying peace to Pakistan’s action—or inaction—on terrorism, India is drawing a much stronger diplomatic line than it has previously.

Ceasefire Begins But is Quickly Violated

The ceasefire officially begins at 5 PM after a call was made by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations to his counterpart in India at 3:30 PM. However, less than four hours later, the agreement was broken. Security authorities reported drones violating Indian airspace across Jammu and Kashmir, before they exploded. In retaliation, Indian air defense units quickly destroyed them.

Even after this violation, the night was uneventful with no renewed hostilities. Frontier sectors on both the Line of Control and the International Border were relatively calm, with no new firing or direct exchanges being reported.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspension to Stay

India stands its ground in not going ahead with the Indus Waters Treaty. The action came as a direct response to the April 23 terror attack on Pahalgam. Official sources have confirmed that India will no longer supply hydrological information to Pakistan. Also, development projects on the northern rivers will proceed as scheduled.

Signed in 1960 and facilitated by the World Bank, the treaty shares control of six rivers between the two nations. India controls the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, and Pakistan depends significantly on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. These western rivers irrigate almost 80% of Pakistani agriculture.

Pakistan, in refusing any involvement in the Pahalgam attack, is now seeking legal avenues to contest India’s withdrawal from the treaty.

Treating Terrorism as an Act of War

India has introduced a major policy change: any subsequent terror attack emanating from Pakistan will be dealt with as an act of war. This policy involves attacks emanating from Pakistani territory, even if the state has not been involved. The officials point out that it is time for a more assertive response to repeated drone intrusions and missile attacks.

Conventionally, acts of war imply armed threats against the sovereignty of a country or the security of its people. In the future, India will classify cross-border terrorism under the same umbrella.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressures Persist

Aside from military signaling, India has imposed strict diplomatic and economic pressures. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor—a religious and emotional connection between Sikh holy places—has been closed down indefinitely. The shutdown reverses one of the main 2019 confidence-building steps between the two countries.

Additionally, India has shut down the Attari-Wagah border and cancelled all Saarc visas to Pakistani nationals. Existing ones were requested to depart within 48 hours. Diplomatic offices in both capitals also saw instant expulsions and staff cuts.

Meanwhile, all economic activity continues to be suspended. India is adamant that economic cooperation will be reinstated only after Pakistan shows tangible action against terror outfits. In another move, Indian authorities shut their airspace to all Pakistani-registered planes, civilian or military.

Unwavering Strategy, Unshaken Red Line

India’s latest stance sends an unequivocal signal: the ceasefire is appreciated, but it won’t wash away responsibility. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty hangs in there. So does the restriction on airspace, freeze on trade, and diplomatic cuts.

By imposing these steps, New Delhi has issued a red notice. Whatever the next terror strike may be—attributable or not—will face immediate and decisive counter-measures.

India Opens Baglihar and Salal Dam Gates, Raising Chenab River Water Levels | WATCH

May 11, 2025, 11:28 am

India’s action to open the gates of two large dams in Jammu and Kashmir has sharply escalated tensions with Pakistan. The action not only aggravates pre-existing geopolitical tension but also reopens the long-standing dispute over the future of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). On Saturday, India opened the gates of the Baglihar Dam in Ramban District, and on Sunday, the gates of the Salal Dam in Reasi were opened.

The resulting increase in the water levels of the Chenab River has caused widespread alarm in Pakistan, causing fears of possible flooding and raising serious questions regarding the management and control of common water resources between the two countries.

#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir | Latest visuals from Reasi’s Salal Dam, built on the Chenab River; several gates of the dam are seen open.

(Visuals shot at 6:30 am) pic.twitter.com/48taKYUYCw

— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2025

Timing of the Dam Gate Openings

The timing of such moves is particularly crucial. The move follows a recent India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement. Yet neither of the two nations has discussed the IWT during their negotiations. India’s opening of the treaty came after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Heavy rain in the region led to the increasing water levels, and the authorities then opened the gates to control the flow. The Baglihar gates were left open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, for instance, and similarly at Salal on Sunday.

Indus Waters Treaty Under Scrutiny

IWT has regulated water sharing between Pakistan and India since more than 60 years. In accordance with the treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi belong to India, while Sutlej, Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus belong to Pakistan. But India’s stoppage of the treaty increased concerns in Pakistan about water supply through these western rivers.

Besides, Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, has been a critic of the IWT for a long time. He has always demanded a review of the treaty, and he did so again after India suspended it. This is not a new position, in 2011, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also demanded compensation for the losses incurred by Jammu and Kashmir because of the provisions of the treaty.

Political and Economic Impact on J&K

Suspension of the IWT has deep political and economic consequences for Jammu and Kashmir. Regional leaders have complained about the adverse effects of the treaty on the water resources of the region. Interestingly, in March 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council passed a resolution asking the central government to reconsider the treaty. The increasing frustration of regional leaders is an indication of the economic and environmental problems caused by the terms of the treaty for the region.

The Baglihar and Salal dam gate opening is more than merely a water management problem. It is a symptom of a greater geopolitical battle over shared water resources between Pakistan and India. Under the cloud of uncertainty about the fate of the IWT, both nations need to approach this problem with care. In order to prevent further escalation, the resolution of this conflict will take both technical know-how as well as political resolve from both parties.

“India’s Water Will Be Used For India’s Interests”: PM Modi Reinforces Stand After Pahalgam Attack

May 6, 2025, 11:33 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated that the move to impose a freeze on the Indus Water Treaty that halted the supply to Pakistan will not be reconsidered, and stated, “India’s water will be used for India’s interests.”

Water for India’s Progress: Statement of PM Modi

Speaking at an ABP Network event this evening, PM Modi said, “These days, there is a lot of discussion in the media about water… Earlier, even the water that was India’s right was flowing out of the country. Now, India’s water will flow for India’s benefit, it will be conserved for India’s benefit, and it will be used for India’s progress.”

The Indus water plug is one of the various diplomatic steps initiated against Pakistan. It came after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam town of Jammu and Kashmir. In the attack, 26 individuals lost their lives 25 visitors and one local resident.

Longstanding Treaty Reconsidered by India After Terror Attack

The attack, which left the country in mourning, triggered strong domestic and international reactions. The Indian government has adopted a firm stance against cross-border terrorism. It has made it clear that diplomatic restraint is no longer a sufficient response. The freeze on Indus waters was quickly seen as a direct and strategic move. This decision carries weight, considering the long-standing water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.

It is also one determined as the most effective, in view of the neighbouring nation’s reliance on the Indus water. India, until now, had been drawing only a fraction of the water it was entitled to as per the 1961 treaty, which had weathered several stand-offs with Islamabad and a war.

The other actions covered closure of the border and cancellation of visas of Pakistan nationals in India.

International Community Rallies Behind India

The attack has united the international community behind India. The issue has also struck a chord in the United Nations, which has called Pakistan to order.

The nation is now gearing up for an unprecedented civil defence security exercise tomorrow to “train civilians and students for effective civil defence in the event of a hostile attack.”

This drill, scheduled across multiple cities, is part of a broader strategy to ensure preparedness amid escalating cross-border tensions.

Pakistan Minister Hanif Abbasi Threatens India with War Over Indus River Dispute

April 27, 2025, 3:29 pm

Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has escalated tensions with India amid the ongoing border crisis. His warning came after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a viral video, Abbasi openly threatened India with war if it blocks the flow of the Indus river water. He said, “If they (India) stop water, they should be ready for war. Ghori, Shaheen and Ghaznavi are not for display. We have kept them for India. We have not kept 130 atomic weapons for a showpiece. You don’t know where they are located in Pakistan.”

Bilawal Bhutto Also Issues a Harsh Warning

Earlier, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made a similar aggressive statement. Speaking at a public rally in Sindh’s Sukkur area, he warned about violent consequences if India stopped the water flow. “The Indus is ours and will remain ours – either our water will flow through it, or their blood,” he said, according to The News.

India Responds Strongly After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Following the terror attack at Baisaran meadow, where 26 civilians were killed, India took major steps against Pakistan. It downgraded diplomatic ties. It expelled Pakistani military attachés. It suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which had been in place for over six decades. Moreover, India shut down the Attari land-transit post immediately.

Officials linked the attack to cross-border terror activities, prompting these actions.

Pakistan Retaliates With Countermeasures

In response, Pakistan announced harsh countermeasures. It threatened to suspend the Simla Agreement along with other bilateral accords. Additionally, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and stopped all trade with India.

Importantly, Pakistan warned that any attempt to block its share of the Indus river water would be treated as an Act of War.

World Bank Responds to India’s Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

April 27, 2025, 2:05 pm

The World Bank has reacted to India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan by pointing out that its mandate is confined to certain roles spelled out in the treaty. The World Bank, as a guarantor, never interferes in the sovereign choices of its member countries.

India’s suspension of the treaty, after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, has escalated tensions between the two countries. Whereas the World Bank stays neutral in the matter, the suspension signifies important issues concerning regional water security and the dangers of further conflict.

World Bank responds to India suspending Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan

Days after India suspended Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam, a World Bank spokesperson said that it was a “signatory to the treaty for a limited set of defined… pic.twitter.com/wVTqS5ztJU

— Indian Infra & Geopolitics (@INDTechAndInfra) April 27, 2025

World Bank’s Role in the Indus Waters Treaty

The World Bank helped broker the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960. It divided the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. India controls the three eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—while Pakistan controls the western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. Despite political tensions, the treaty has supported cooperation over shared water resources.

As guarantor of the treaty, the World Bank oversees its enforcement, extends financial assistance, and assists in the resolution of conflicts. It keeps away, though, from political and security issues. The spokesperson for the World Bank affirmed that it never comments on sovereign choices made by member nations.

India’s Suspension and Political Context

India froze the treaty following a fatal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives. The Indian government attributed the freeze to Pakistan’s purported backing of cross-border terrorism, terming it a national security issue. Indian officials also feared that Pakistan could exploit water as a weapon as tensions rose in Kashmir.

Pakistan denounced the action as illegal. Pakistani officials cautioned that any water supply disruption could be interpreted as an act of war. They added the suspension would merely raise tensions, further destabilizing the region, which has had a history of military conflict.

Regional Stability and the World Bank’s Role

India’s suspension is a significant escalation of the already tense relationship between the two nations. Water is crucial to both countries’ economies and diplomatic stability. Pakistan’s agricultural economy, which depends on the Indus River, is severely threatened if the treaty is not reinstated.

Though the World Bank has said it cannot become directly involved in the conflict, increasing tensions may induce the international community to become more involved in mediating the situation. The World Bank, as the initial broker of the treaty, may then be asked to assist in de-escalation.

India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has severe geopolitical implications. Although the World Bank has asserted its impartial position, its past involvement may still contribute to containing the fallout. The global community needs to keep a close eye on the situation, as extended water conflicts may further destabilize the region.

Omar Abdullah Backs Indus Treaty Suspension: ‘Most Unfair Document’

April 25, 2025, 10:14 pm

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Friday, referred to the now-suspended Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan as the “most unfair document” for the people of the union territory, observing that it was never popular among them.

India Suspends Indus Water Treaty After Pahalgam Attack

India suspended the World Bank-mediated 1960 treaty of water sharing with Pakistan on Wednesday in reaction to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.

Omar Abdullah commented on the Centre’s action after meeting with several tourism, trade, and industry associations following reports of a tourist exodus from the union territory.

“The Government of India has taken some steps. As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, let’s be honest, we have never been in favour of the Indus Waters Treaty. Now, what the medium to long-term implications of this are, that is something we have to wait to see,” Abdullah said.

Pakistan Terms Indus Waters Treaty Suspension as Act of War

ANI reported that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty at his residence in the national capital on Friday evening. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Paatil, and other top government officials are likely to attend.

The session follows India formally notifying Pakistan in writing regarding suspension of the treaty. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided this in a meeting on April 23.

Pakistan warned that it would regard any Indian move to suspend water sharing as an “act of war.”

“India’s reckless suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is an act of water warfare; a cowardly, illegal move,” Pakistan’s power minister Awais Lekhari said in a post on X late on Wednesday night.

Facilitated by the World Bank, which is a signatory as well, the treaty establishes a framework for water sharing and data exchange between the two nuclear neighbors on the use of the water of the Indus River and its five tributaries, Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab. The treaty was signed after negotiations for more than nine years following the first war over Kashmir.

Pakistani Deputy PM Calls Pahalgam Terrorists ‘Freedom Fighters’, After 2 Pakistani Suspects Identified | WATCH

April 25, 2025, 11:28 am

In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has sparked controversy by calling the attackers “freedom fighters.” The attack, which occurred on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s scenic Pahalgam area, is believed to have been carried out by Pakistani militants linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group.

Pakistan’s Reaction to the Attack

The Pahalgam massacre has drawn sharp reactions from both the Indian government and the Pakistani leadership. According to Jammu and Kashmir police, at least two of the terrorists involved in the attack were identified as Pakistani nationals: Hashim Musa (alias Sulaiman) and Ali Bhai (alias Talha Bhai). Dar’s comments labeling the terrorists as “freedom fighters” have been met with widespread criticism, further intensifying tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

?SHOCKING: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister referred to the terrorists who killed the tourists in Pahalgam as “freedom fighters.”

PAKISTAN IS A TERRORIST STATE. PERIOD. pic.twitter.com/dEiA69ji7B

— BALA (@erbmjha) April 24, 2025

Dar’s Controversial Remarks

In a media interaction on Thursday, Dar defended the Pahalgam attackers, stating that their actions were justified as part of a larger “freedom struggle.” His comments come at a time when India has blamed Pakistan for being behind the attack, with intelligence suggesting that the LeT was the mastermind. The Indian government has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting terror groups operating in Kashmir and other regions.

Pakistan’s Strong Stand on the Indus Water Treaty

Adding fuel to the fire, Dar also criticized India’s recent decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a landmark agreement governing the distribution of water from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. India’s announcement to put the treaty “in abeyance” has been regarded by Pakistan as an “act of war.”

Dar stated, “Two hundred and forty million people in Pakistan need water… you cannot stop it. It is tantamount to an act of war. Any suspension or encroachment won’t be accepted.” This was in direct response to India’s actions, which have further complicated the already tense bilateral relations.

Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures

In retaliation, Pakistan announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the historic Simla Agreement of 1972. The Simla Agreement ended the war of 1971 and laid the foundation for India-Pakistan relations in the subsequent decades. Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, issued a statement declaring that any attempt by India to divert the flow of water would be viewed as an act of war.

“We will make them pay through their noses. If our citizens are harmed by India, Indian citizens will not remain safe either. It will be tit-for-tat,” said Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, adding to the mounting rhetoric.

India Blames Pakistan for the Attack

The Indian government has formally blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack, citing the LeT’s involvement in the massacre. In an FIR filed by the Jammu and Kashmir police, the authorities confirmed that the attackers had been acting under instructions from their handlers across the border. The attack, which targeted innocent tourists, has sparked national outrage, with citizens across India demanding stronger counter-terrorism measures.

India’s accusations against Pakistan are not new. The LeT, based in Pakistan and supported by its intelligence agencies, has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India.

Growing Tensions

The Pahalgam terrorist attack has added a new layer of complexity to the already volatile relationship between India and Pakistan. With Dar’s controversial remarks and Pakistan’s harsh response to India’s decision on the Indus Water Treaty, the situation remains fraught with tension. The attack has further polarized public opinion on both sides of the border, and it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming weeks.

Both countries have now hardened their positions, and the international community watches closely as tensions continue to escalate in the region.

India Officially Suspends Indus Waters Treaty in Major Diplomatic Move After Pahalgam Terror Attack

April 24, 2025, 11:43 pm

In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions with Pakistan, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The move follows a series of strong reactions by New Delhi after the attack that killed 26 civilians the worst such attack in India in almost two decades.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has been a symbol of cooperation between India and Pakistan for decades, even during times of war and hostility. The treaty regulates the sharing of water from the Indus River and its tributaries, which run through both nations. India’s suspension of the treaty represents a dramatic change in its diplomatic strategy, one that is a reflection of growing frustrations over repeated terror attacks traced back to Pakistani soil.

India Answers Cross-Border Terror with Tough Steps

The move to suspend the water-sharing treaty is part of a larger game plan to mark the beginning of zero tolerance for terrorism across borders. Besides suspending the treaty, India has also expelled Pakistani military advisers, closed principal border checkpoints, and withdrawn special visa concessions to Pakistani nationals. These moves reflect the increased seriousness with which India is treating threats to national security coming from the other side.

Pahalgam Attack Triggers National Anger

Tensions have been continuously mounting since the Pahalgam attack, which was carried out on a popular tourist destination in Jammu & Kashmir. The attack resulted not only in a heavy toll of innocent lives but also resulted in public outrage nationwide. Due to this, India’s leadership has been in a state of extreme pressure to react firmly.

Water Becomes a Diplomatic Weapon

Given that water is a sensitive and strategic resource for both countries, suspension of the treaty brings new nuances into an already explosive regional dynamics. It also makes a resounding statement to the world at large about India’s willingness to use diplomatic and strategic means to protect its national interests.

Though no formal discussion has been undertaken to renegotiate the treaty terms, the suspension de facto brings cooperative processes to a standstill. The action is likely to attract international interest, particularly that of nations and organizations who traditionally have pushed for Indus basin stability.

Pakistan to Approach International Forums Over India’s Indus Water Treaty ‘Violation’

April 24, 2025, 5:47 pm

Following India’s retaliatory action after the Pahalgam terror attack, the government in Pakistan has issued a sequence of diplomatic and security measures, comprising moving towards international forums for what it calls the breach of the Indus Waters Treaty. ARY News reports that it came after a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

The session was joined by senior civil and military officials, who debated internal and external security issues after what Pakistan termed as a “false flag operation” in Pahalgam, where 27 individuals were murdered earlier this week.

Pakistan Condemns India’s Treaty Move, Promises Diplomatic Action

The NSC outrightly rejected India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming the move a breach of an internationally binding agreement brokered by the World Bank. The NSC asserted, “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.”

The committee stressed India’s purported infringement of international norms, declaring, “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.”

Pakistan Closed Border and Suspend Visas

In another escalation, Pakistan declared that the Wagah Border Post would be closed immediately, halting all transit across the border from India. “Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than 30 April 2025,” the NSC declared.

Besides, Islamabad revoked all SAARC visas granted to Indian nationals under the Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), except for Sikh religious pilgrims. Indian nationals who are already in Pakistan under this scheme have been ordered to leave within 48 hours.

Expulsions and Diplomatic Downgrading

In a reciprocal reaction matching India’s action, Pakistan announced Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata. “They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than 30 April 2025,” the statement continued. The number of personnel at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will also be reduced to 30.

The NSC also directed the shutdown of Pakistan’s airspace for all Indian-owned or operated aircraft with immediate effect. In addition, all trade with India, including third-country routed trade through Pakistan, has been suspended indefinitely.

Focus on National Security and Regional Peace

The committee added that Pakistan and its military are fully equipped to defend its sovereignty, pointing to its reaction to India’s 2019 incursion as evidence of its determination. “Pakistan and its Armed Forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure.”

Reaffirming its stance on peace, the NSC noted, “The Pakistani Nation remains committed to peace, but will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity and their inalienable rights.”

Rejection of Indian Allegations and International Warning

The Pakistani leadership condemned India’s version of the Pahalgam attack, stating, “Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, attempts to link the Pahalgam attack with Pakistan are frivolous, devoid of rationality and defeat logic.”

Additionally, the committee stated that India’s allegations are a bid to divert attention from its internal affairs, specifically in Jammu and Kashmir. “India’s systemic persecution of minorities, particularly Muslims, has become more pervasive. Attempts at forced passage of Waqf Bill is the latest effort to marginalize Muslims across India.”

Kulbhushan Jadhav Case Cited as Evidence

The NSC reiterated that Pakistan has tangible evidence of Indian terrorism within its borders, such as the current case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav. ” India’s worn-out narrative of victimhood cannot obfuscate its own culpability in fomenting terrorism on Pakistan’s soil, such as the testimony of a serving Indian Navy official, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav.”

The forum also condemned India’s reported extraterritorial activities and called upon the international community to remain vigilant. “The international community ought to remain mindful of India’s state sponsored extraterritorial assassinations or attempts on foreign soil.”